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Mar 11, 2022
Tooth decay is a common dental ailment that refers to the presence of cavities or caries. They cause permanent damage to teeth and affect both the enamel and the dentin. The problem usually results from a high intake of sugary and starchy foods and poor oral hygiene.
It leads to the build-up of plaque, which is a combination of saliva, food debris, bacteria and acid in the mouth. The accumulation of plaque on the teeth destroys the enamel and creates fissures on the surface called cavities.
Thus, professional dentists Hope Island emphasise brushing and flossing daily to avoid tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can infect other teeth and gums and even lead to the loss of the tooth. So, you must be vigilant of the symptoms and know about the treatments to keep your mouth healthy.
Early Symptoms of Tooth Decay and Treatment
Identifying the first signs of tooth decay is vital to stop the ailment from progressing. However, it is challenging to do it on your own. Usually, the dentist can detect the beginning of the problem during a regular check-up.
Thus, you must visit your dentist every six months to keep track of your dental health. The first stage involves softening of the enamel, and it can merely appear as a small brown or white dot on the surface of the tooth.
At this stage, the dentist can curtail the damage by using a sealant or a topical fluoride product to make the enamel hard again. The fluoride is used in the form of a varnish, solution, gel, etc.
Signs of Cavities and Treatments
If the decay goes undetected, the enamel is broken, and holes appear on the surface called cavities. The symptoms of cavities are toothache, sensitivity, discolouration, an apparent hole in the tooth and pain while biting or chewing food.
After the development of the cavity, the enamel cannot be restored, but appropriate treatment can help in limiting the damage. Treatment for cavities is based on the size of the fissure and its position on the tooth’s surface.
One of the procedures utilised by dentists is cleaning out the damaged part to remove the decay and filling it to stop further deterioration. If the hole becomes wider, dentists prescribe a crown or cap to cover the gap created on the tooth so that food particles do not get deposited in the crevice and lead to infection.
Later Stage of Tooth Decay and Treatments
When people neglect sensitivity and pain to avoid visiting the dentist, they often have to pay a heavy price for it. The small holes on the enamel allow bacteria to reach to the second layer of the tooth called the dentin and finally to the core of called the pulp, which has blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves.
At this advanced stage, the symptoms become more pronounced and can cause consistent pain, bad breath, cavities, spots on teeth, and extra sensitivity to hot, cold and sugary foods. Tooth decay can impact both children and adults.
In older people, the advanced stage can lead to gum recession and make the root of the tooth exposed. Tooth decay also causes an infection that creates a pus bag near the root of the tooth. It can be accompanied by pain and swelling.
If not treated on time, the infection can spread to other teeth and even affect the jawbone. In worst-case scenarios, the tooth will have to be extracted because the damage is irreversible, or it may fall off on its own. The dentist will then prescribe a dental implant to fill the gap and keep your bite and smile intact.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
It is easy to prevent your teeth from getting infected and save them from decay. The best way is to maintain optimum oral hygiene that involves specific lifestyle changes:
- Proper Cleaning
Brush twice a day and floss once a day. It is essential to use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to rinse the mouth.
- Fluoride Intake
Fluoride is vital for protecting the teeth from plaque and acid produced in the mouth. In the early stages of decay, fluoride is helpful in reversing the damage. Thus, it is essential to include fluoridated tap water in your daily intake of fluids.
- Avoiding Sugary and Sticky Food
Foods with high sugar content and starch get stuck to the teeth and give birth to plaque. Thus, you should reduce the consumption of soda, candies, chocolates, packed fruit juices, cakes, cookies, chips, etc. Also, you must stop repeated snacking and drink lots of water to wash away the leftover food particles in the mouth.
- Healthy Diet
Including dairy products in your diet is a must because they contain essential nutrients that are helpful in strengthening the tooth enamel. Also, it is crucial to eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibre to improve the production of saliva in the mouth.
Conclusion
Tooth decay can catch you off-guard and ruin your precious teeth. Thus, it is imperative to visit your dentist in Hope Island after every few months or when you witness the signs of decay to avoid further damage.
