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Tooth Decay: Causes, Prevention, And Symptoms

Tooth Decay

Are you familiar with the term tooth decay? It’s a condition that starts with the erosion of the outer layer of your tooth, called enamel, and can lead to the formation of cavities. Tooth decay and cavities are some of the most common dental issues worldwide, affecting both young and old.

However, there are many ways to prevent and treat them, including fluoride, fillings, crowns, and more. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the symptoms, causes, and tips to help you identify and prevent cavities. So let’s get started!

Symptoms Of Tooth Cavity:

Detecting the early signs of cavities is crucial in order to avoid severe consequences. As tooth decay progresses, symptoms become noticeable. Consult your endodontist if you experience symptoms such as:
  • Toothache or increased tooth sensitivity.
  • Sharp pain when chewing anything sweet, cold, or extremely hot.
  • Brown or white stains on the teeth' surface.
  • The presence of an unpleasant mouth taste and bad breath.

Common Causes Of Cavities:

1. High-Sugar Intake:

Regular intake of sugary snacks and beverages, like sweetened soda, energy drinks, or artificial juices, can ultimately lead to tooth decay. This is because the high-content sugar and acids in these snacks accumulate on teeth. While it’s alright to indulge in sweet treats occasionally, make sure to have a glass of water afterward to help rinse your mouth.

2. Lack Of Oral Hygiene:

If proper oral hygiene is not conducted, it is possible that plaque, a thin, sticky film, can accumulate and damage your teeth. In order to fight germs and prevent cavities, it is essential to follow a three-step oral routine that involves brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.

3. Dry Mouth:

A dry mouth can also lead to tooth decay. To prevent cavities and plaque buildup, it is important to have enough saliva to clean your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum, drinking water regularly, and limiting caffeine intake can help alleviate dry mouth.

Prevention:

In order to prevent cavities, try to maintain a 3-step oral hygiene routine. Firstly, brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste to replenish lost calcium and strengthen teeth. Secondly, clean away trapped food particles by using dental floss regularly. After that, make sure to use a fluoride mouthwash to rinse and clean hidden and hard-to-reach food residue.

Treatment Options:

A dentist can recommend treatment for tooth decay, depending on its severity. Treatment for tooth decay usually includes:

1. Fluoride Treatments:

Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen enamel and prevent and repair tooth decay damage. Dentists can administer professional fluoride treatments quickly in the form of gel, varnish, foam, or solution. This treatment usually takes a few minutes to complete.
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2. Fillings:

If you have tooth decay that has resulted in cavities, your dentist may suggest getting a filling as a treatment option. They will first remove any decay by drilling the tooth and then shape the cavity to fit the filling. Materials such as dental amalgam or composite are then used to fill the cavity.

3. Crowns:

If cavities become larger due to tooth decay, a crown may become necessary instead of a filling. In this procedure, dentists start by removing the outer portion of the tooth and any decay, then take an impression of the tooth. Afterward, a temporary crown is placed until the permanent one is ready, which usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
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4. Root Canals:

In case a patient has a damaged a tooth’s pulp, the dentist may recommend a root canal procedure to avoid extraction. The first step in this process is to numb the tooth and remove the pulp.

Then, the dentist will clean and shape the root canal inside the tooth and may also apply medicine to kill bacteria. Finally, a rubber-like substance is used to fill the root canals, and a crown or filling is placed on the tooth to restore and strengthen it.

5. Tooth Extraction:

If a tooth has experienced significant decay, it may be recommended by a dentist to extract it. The tooth will be numbed before removal, and the dentist will give post-extraction care instructions.
If you’ve had a tooth removed, it is normal to feel some swelling or discomfort. However, if you experience any severe symptoms, it’s crucial to contact a dentist or seek medical attention immediately.
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Key Takeaway:

Tooth decay is unfortunately very common, and it’s estimated that 9 out of 10 adults over the age of 20 have experienced some degree of tooth decay. It’s important to remember that there are a variety of treatment options available. Moreover, seeking prompt care is key to preventing more serious complications.

If you are experiencing symptoms of tooth decay, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They can help you address the issue and get you feeling better as soon as possible. Remember, untreated tooth decay can lead to significant problems, including tooth loss and other more serious conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not get enough vitamin D, your teeth can become weak and susceptible to tooth decay, as well as breaking, chipping, and cracking. That’s why it is important to consume enough vitamin D to maintain good oral health. This nutrient is essential for strong teeth, as they are made of bones.
Cavities form slowly over time, which can span weeks, months, or even years. On average, it usually takes around six months to five years for a cavity to develop. Nevertheless, with early detection, it is possible to reverse the damage to your or your child’s teeth.
It is crucial to address any signs of infection or decay as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading and causing further damage. If you fail to seek prompt treatment, it will lead to the loss of multiple teeth, as well as other oral health issues. Nevertheless, by taking action early, you can maintain a healthy smile that lasts many years.

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