Tooth decay - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, And Treatments

Tooth decay – An Introduction

Humans have thirty-two teeth in total. Maintaining them might seem to be one of the easiest jobs on earth. But it is something that should be done with utter seriousness. Our teeth require proper attention for it can put us in trouble almost always if not taken care of. Tooth decay is a hole in the tooth that appears due to our carelessness.

Tooth decay, dental caries or most commonly known as cavities, is a breakdown of teeth due to acids secreted by bacteria. These cavities usually start small and would be painless. But as it gets older, the cavities become larger, going deep into the teeth and when it reaches the gum, pain is experienced by the victim. If not diagnosed at the right time, these cavities can torture him or her.

Tooth Decay

There are four factors required for the formation of a cavity. They are enamel, bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates (generally sugar) and time. The most common bacteria responsible for the formation of tooth decay are Streptococcus mutans.

Causes Of Tooth Decay

Human mouth contains bacteria which converts sugar into acid whenever we eat something sweet. This results in the formation of plague. A plague is a combination of bacteria, saliva, food particles, and acid. This plague sticks on to the tooth and the acid in it erodes the enamel which is a hard, off-white tissue that makes up the tooth. This results in tooth decay. Other causes include dry mouth, an insufficient amount of fluoride, anorexia and so on.

Symptoms Of Tooth Decay

Fortunately, our body shows signs and symptoms of various diseases, helping us in being aware of it quite before things get worse.  This helps us to treat the disease sooner.

1.    Sensitivity:  The pain experienced when cold, hot or acidic food is taken.

2.    A hole: The hole can be black or yellow.

3.    A stain:  Either black or white.

4.    Pain: Pain is experienced continuously when a person suffers from cavities.

5.    A headache:  A person suffering from tooth decay suffers from a severe headache too.

6.    Bad breath: Halitosis also depicted as bad breath is another symptom of the condition.

7.    Taste difference: An unpleasant taste in our mouth signals the presence of a cavity.

Prevention Of Tooth Decay

It is always suggested to prevent a disease than to cure it when it is suffered from.  Most people are unaware of the preventive measures that should be adopted.  The preventive measures of tooth decay are listed below:

1.    Brush and floss daily: Brush twice and floss at night. It is the simplest as well as the most basic step towards prevention of a number of diseases.

2.    Avoid sweet or acidic food: Sugar is highly dangerous as far as oral hygiene is what is being considered.

3.    Mouthwash: Use mouthwashes containing fluoride.

4.    Dental sealants:  These plastic coverings can be worn on teeth while chewing to avoid the food particles sticking to them.

5.    Drink water: Drinking water helps to keep the mouth moisturized.

6.    Regular dental check-ups: Visiting a dentist every month is the best preventive method.

SEE ALSO: Dental Abscess Causes Symptoms Prevention And Remedies

Treatments For Tooth Decay

In case our teeth decay, we need to know the treatments available for the condition. Being desperate and in despair is never a solution to a problem.  Here is a detailed list of a few treatments available for cavities:

1. Tooth filling: The tooth is drilled to remove the decayed material and is filled with a composite resin.

2. Crown: In cases of severe decay, the above-mentioned treatment is followed by placing a crown (a cap) on the tooth.

3. Root canal: Sometimes the decay may affect the nerves too. In such cases, a root canal is performed wherein the nerve tissues, the blood vessel tissues, as well as decayed parts of the tooth, are removed. The tooth is later closed with a crown.

4. Fluoride treatment: The enamel is restored. This is suitable for tooth decays at early levels.

5. Tooth extraction: The tooth is removed if it is decayed to a level where nothing else can be done.

Tooth decays might appear to be a simple issue. But if left untreated, cavities can lead to malnourishment, anemia and other life-threatening diseases. Only an experienced doctor can save us from such menacing situations. Dr. Kevin Speer, the best dentist in Milwaukie, City in Oregon, strictly advises his patients to brush twice and floss at least once daily without fail.