What you need to know about tooth decay

Tooth decay occurs when the enamel or the surface of the tooth is damaged due to acid attacks. This can result in cavities or holes in the tooth.

The mouth is naturally filled with good and bad bacteria. Bad bacteria combine with sugar and starch from the food that you eat to form acids.

These acids attack the enamel, causing it to wear away. Plaque can build up and once it hardens, it becomes tartar, which can cause gum irritation and gum disease.

The enamel can replenish minerals it loses and regain strength with the help of saliva and fluoride. Fluoride can be found in toothpaste, water, and you may also receive it at the dental office.

Avoiding or limiting the intake of starchy and sugary food can also help prevent decay.

Signs and Symptoms

One early sign of tooth decay is a white spot on the tooth. This indicates a loss of minerals.

At its early stages, it can still be reversed through good oral hygiene habits and ensuring a healthy diet.

However, if the decay continues to progress, your tooth will keep on losing more minerals. When the enamel becomes too weak, a cavity may begin to form.

At first, you will not notice any visible signs of decay of teeth. But as it worsens, it can start causing discomfort and pain. It may also cause heightened teeth sensitivity. If the area gets infected, an abscess can form and cause swelling and fever.

Your dentist will be able to determine if you have tooth decay by performing a visual examination. In some cases, x-rays may also be necessary.

Risk Factors

The leading cause of tooth decay is poor oral hygiene and excessive intake of sugary and starchy food. Here are other factors that may increase your risk for tooth decay:

• Poor saliva flow or dry mouth
• Not enough fluoride
• Receding gums
• Aging
• Drinking from a bottle, which is the case for babies and toddlers

Treating Tooth Decay and Cavities

The treatment used for tooth decay depends on the severity of the issue. Here are possible treatment options that your dentist may recommend:

• Fillings. If you have a cavity, your dentist will clean the area, remove the decayed tissue, and restore the tooth by filling it.
• Fluoride treatments. Early tooth decay can be fixed with the help of fluoride treatments.
• Root canal. If the infection has already reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the decayed pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. Your dentist will then provide you with a temporary filling until the final restoration or a crown is ready.
• Tooth removal. Extraction is usually the last option if other treatment options will no longer be enough or are no longer possible. After removing the tooth or teeth, your dentist may also recommend getting bridges or implants. The gap has to be filled to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting and harming your bite.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Prevent tooth decay and cavities with the help of these tips:

• Brush more often. Brush more often and properly. Cover all tooth areas possible, such as the back areas. If you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, you need to brush more often to keep debris from getting stuck on your teeth.
• Floss daily. Remove food debris from your teeth to prevent plaque from building up. Flossing is necessary as brushing will not be able to clean below the gumline and tight spaces between teeth.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Rinsing your mouth will help keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh. It’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing but it can help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque.
• Moderate intake of sugary and starchy food. Limit the intake of sugary and starchy food, as well as carbonated beverages to protect your teeth. These types of food tend to stay longer in the mouth. Hence, they have higher chances of causing plaque and tooth decay.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Ask your dentist if you need fluoride treatments to help protect your teeth. It’s important to see your hygienist and dentist as even with daily brushing and flossing, debris can still be present in your mouth.

Tooth decay is preventable and treatable. But prevention is always a better option than cure. Strengthen your oral hygiene routine and work with your dental team to ensure that your teeth are in good condition.