Tooth Decay: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

A cavity is a hole in a tooth caused by dental decay. Cavities develop when the tough enamel coating on your teeth is worn away (eroded) by the acids in your mouth. Tooth decay or Dental caries are the damage of the teeth, mostly in the back teeth; for example in molars and premolars there are many pits and grooves that are helpful for food pdiseases to accumulate.

A cavity can happen to anyone. Young children are susceptible to "early childhood caries," sometimes known as baby bottle tooth disease. The baby has extensive tooth decay that begins in the front teeth and spreads to the back teeth.

Tooth decay can occur on the exposed root surfaces of the teeth as a result of receding gums in many older people, which allows oral bacteria that cause decay to come into contact with the tooth's root.Cavities can be avoided with good oral care and regular dental cleanings.

What might be the causes for tooth decay?

This condition occurs as the tooth structure is damaged by acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. Left untreated leads to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
When a tooth is exposed to acids, which happens on regularly consuming foods and beverages high in sugar the enamel loses minerals. A black discoloration is visible where minerals have been depleted, which is a sign of deterioration.
Enamel deteriorates and finally crumbles, creating a cavity. If more minerals are lost, it leads to tooth decay and needs to be treated.
Poor oral hygiene practices cause tooth decay. Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food pdiseases, to build upon the teeth surfaces. Plaque can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove with regular brushing. Tartar provides a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive and accelerate dental caries.

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Can tooth decay lead to serious symptoms?

There are different signs and symptoms depending on where the cavity is and how big it is. The tooth decay symptoms are:

Toothache, sudden pain, or pain that arises for no proper reason.
There may be mild to severe pain when eating or drinking anything sweet, hot, or cold.
A brown, black, or white stain on any tooth surface.
Your teeth have any obvious divots or pits.
When you bite down, it hurts.
Highly sensitive teeth.

What are the preventive measures to avoid tooth decay?

Preventing tooth decay is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Here are some preventive measures.

Practising good oral hygiene : Brushing twice daily is a more important habit because after we take food, it gets deposited, which helps bacteria to develop, so to avoid the growth of bacteria, it is advised by a doctor to brush daily. Don't forget to clean your tongue and floss between your teeth daily to remove plaque and food pdiseases.
Fluoride treatments: : The tooth enamel is strengthened and more resistant to acid assault by fluoride. Naturally, fluorides are more in tea, fish, food, and toothpaste as it contains synthetic fluoride. Use fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, fluoride gel, varnish, or paste by taking advice from the dentist.
Dental sealants: : Dental sealants are protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of the rear teeth. They act as barriers, preventing bacteria and food pdiseases from accumulating in the deep grooves and fissures, reducing the risk of cavities. It is recommended that all school-age children should get sealants. Sealants may not require replacement for several years but must be examined frequently.
Limit sugar and acidic foods: : Reduce intake of sugars and beverages, especially between meals. If consumed, rinse your mouth with water to neutralise the acids. Opt for healthy alternatives that include fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
Make an appointment with the dentist: : Consult your dentist regularly for teeth cleaning and dental checkup.

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What are the tooth decay treatments?

Cavity filling: If the decay is limited to the enamel or dentine, your dentist may remove the decayed portion and fill the cavity with a dental filling, such as composite resin or amalgam, a cement colour or silver colour composite.
Crowns: A dental crown is recommended if the decay has reached a more advanced stage and has caused significant damage. A crown is a customised cap made up of ceramic, gold, and porcelain, which is attached to teeth with dental cement that covers the affected tooth, restoring its shape, function, and strength.
Root canal: When tooth decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, it can cause severe pain and infection. In that case, a root canal treatment may be necessary. During the treatment, contaminated pulp is removed and replaced with "percha," artificial pulp.
Removal of tooth: A tooth extraction is necessary if the caries gets worse since it could spread to other teeth. Dental bridges, dental implants, or artificial partial dentures can all be used to replace missing teeth.