Tooth decay is mainly caused by a mix of factors including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque can produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Over time, these attacks can lead to cavities. Not brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque can make your teeth more at risk.
Additionally, not getting enough fluoride, which helps resist decay, and a dry mouth condition can also contribute to tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth. Prestige Dental, found online at https://drdoktorman.com/, offers a range of services to help prevent and treat tooth decay, ensuring your smile stays healthy and bright. Regular visits to a dental care provider like Prestige Dental can help catch and address decay early, before it leads to more serious problems.
Teeth decay symptoms
Symptoms of tooth decay vary depending on the severity and location of the decay. Early on, you might not notice any symptoms at all. As the decay progresses, you might experience toothache, which could be spontaneous or occur after consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Other signs include visible holes or pits in your teeth, brown, black, or white staining on any surface of a tooth, and pain when you bite down. Sometimes, you might notice a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
If the decay gets worse, it can lead to more severe problems, such as infections, abscesses, and even tooth loss. Catching these symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment, so regular dental check-ups are important. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
Teeth decay types
Tooth decay can be classified into several types, based on where and how it develops. Coronal cavities are the most common type, found on the chewing surfaces or between the teeth. This type is more prevalent in both children and adults. Root cavities occur on the root surfaces of teeth, more often in older adults whose gums have receded, exposing the tooth root to decay. Recurrent decay develops around existing fillings and crowns where bacteria accumulate, leading to further decay. Lastly, pit and fissure decay happens on the grooved surfaces of the back teeth. These grooves can be hard to clean, making them vulnerable to decay.
How to treat teeth decay
Treating tooth decay depends on how early it’s caught. In the initial stages, improving your dental hygiene might stop decay from getting worse. Using fluoride treatments can also help restore your tooth’s enamel. If the decay has formed a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the hole with a filling material. This process is commonly known as getting a filling.
For more severe decay that affects the tooth’s inner part (pulp), a root canal might be needed. This procedure involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the inner part of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further damage. In cases where the tooth is too damaged to be saved, it may need to be removed. Preventative measures, like regular brushing and flossing, using fluoride toothpaste, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups, are key to avoiding tooth decay.
