What is tooth decay? How to treat it?
Tooth decay damages the natural structure of the tooth and sometimes softens the tooth enamel. In this article, you will learn more about the cause, symptoms and treatment of tooth decay. How often do you visit the dentist for a checkup?
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is usually seen as a hole in the tooth; This hole can be small or large. The decayed area of the tooth is small at first, and then, if left untreated, it gradually progresses and covers the entire tooth. Cavities caused by tooth decay do not cause pain when they are very small; That is why it is difficult to recognize them and a person may not even realize that he has a broken tooth.
Therefore, it is recommended to all people to visit the dentist at least once a year for a check-up, even if they do not think they have any problems with their dental health. Tooth decay in the early stages can be easily treated with tooth filling. But if you act too late, you may need nerve extraction or tooth extraction.
Symptoms of tooth decay
The symptoms of tooth decay are related to the severity of the decay. These symptoms include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- toothache
- A hole or cavity inside a tooth
- Black or white spot on the tooth
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The cause of tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs due to the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that is attached to the teeth and is a combination of bacteria, saliva, acid and food particles. We all have bacteria in our mouths. Plaque forms on the teeth after eating or drinking foods containing sugar. The acid in the plaque can eventually erode the tooth enamel.
Tooth enamel is a hard coating on the teeth that prevents tooth decay. As tooth enamel weakens, the risk of tooth decay increases. Everyone is at risk of tooth decay, but factors that increase the risk of tooth decay include:
- Excessive consumption of sweet or acidic foods
- Poor oral hygiene such as not brushing or flossing every day
- Lack of fluoride
- Dry mouth
- Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa
- Gastric reflux disease
Tooth erosion occurs mostly in the back teeth. Because the back teeth have grooves that can trap food particles. Also, in most cases, it is more difficult to access the back teeth when brushing or flossing, and for this reason, their hygiene may not be well maintained.
Types of tooth decay
Tooth decay over time can turn into a hole or cavity inside the tooth. Dentists use a special classification for tooth decay:
- Class 1 caries: related to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth
- Class 2 caries: related to our surfaces between the back teeth
- Class 3 caries: related to the surfaces between the front teeth
- Class 4 caries: related to the surfaces between the front teeth (provided that the caries reach the tip of the tooth)
- Class 5 caries: in the tooth neck or dental collar
- Class 6 caries: on one of the edges and tip of the tooth
Treatment of tooth decay
After the dental examination, the dentist can draw conclusions about the depth of your tooth decay. Treatment options depend on the severity of the decay. Usually, one of the following methods is used for repair:
filling teeth
In this method, the dentist removes decayed material from the tooth with the equipment he has. Then he fills the empty space in your tooth with amalgam, ceramic, composite, gold or…
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For severe tooth decay, the dentist first removes the decayed material of the tooth and then puts a coating on the tooth to protect the tooth’s health.
root canal
Sometimes tooth decay causes the loss of tooth nerves. In this case, nerve extraction method is used to preserve the decayed tooth. In nerve extraction, nerve tissue, blood vessel tissue and all decayed areas of the tooth are removed. During nerve extraction, the dentist checks for infections and uses medicine if needed. Finally, the tooth is filled and a crown may be placed on it.
Fluoride therapy
If the dentist detects tooth decay in the early stages, he may suggest fluoride therapy to help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent further decay.
Definitive treatment of toothache
Tooth decay can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. While you are waiting for your time to go to the dentist, you can use the following methods to relieve the pain:
- Take care of your oral hygiene. Don’t forget to brush twice a day and use dental floss and mouthwash once.
- Take painkillers.
- Apply over-the-counter numbing medications to your teeth.
- Avoid eating and drinking very hot or cold foods.
What are the complications of tooth decay?
- Constant toothache
- A tooth abscess that can become infected.
- Formation of pus around the infected tooth
- Increased risk of tooth fracture
- Difficulty chewing food
In case of tooth decay, if you delay visiting the dentist, your teeth may be irreparably damaged. In this case, there is no other way than tooth extraction.
How to prevent tooth decay?
You can reduce the risk of tooth decay with the following solutions:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Eat less of these foods: Sweet and acidic foods such as sweets, candy, fruit juice, soft drinks and refined carbohydrates.
- Limit snacking between meals.
- from fissure Sealant Use teeth.
To fight tooth decay, the following foods can be useful:
- Fruits and vegetables rich in fiber
- Foods rich in calcium
- Xylitol sugar free gum
- Unsweetened black or green tea
- Water containing fluoride
Also, do not forget to visit the dentist at least once or twice a year to check the condition of your teeth in terms of decay.
last word
Tooth decay can cost you a lot in addition to all the troubles it has. Therefore, preventive measures are recommended for all people, including children and adults.
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