Cure Tooth Decay: Definition, Causes, Treatment, Prevention

The information below explains all about tooth decay. It also gives advice on how to prevent the risk of decay of the teeth before it is too late.

WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, can cause holes or damage to the teeth. The first sign of dental caries are “white spots” on the teeth, commonly near the gum line. At the early stage, it is still possible to fix the damage by practicing proper hygiene in the mouth. 

When you eat foods that are high in sugar, the bacteria inside your mouth can convert those sugars into acids that slowly eat away at your enamel, causing a hole in your tooth. 

If kept untreated, these “white spots” can be those holes, and these holes are called cavities. The cavities are colored brown or black and can cause serious dental damage.

The reason children are more vulnerable to cavities is because their tooth enamel is more porous than an adult’s tooth enamel. 

CAUSES OF TOOTH DECAY

Tooth decay is caused by several factors such as bacteria, poor resistance to decay, eating sweet and sticky foods, using chemical agents and poor oral hygiene. 

These bacteria transform into plaques of our teeth when we consume foods that are high in sugar and eventually turn into acids that damage our teeth.

Acid attacks the surface of the tooth (tooth enamel) that causes to remove minerals from the surface or the so-called demineralization.

The body tries to recover naturally from demineralization through the absorption of lost minerals towards the saliva of the mouth. The particular ones present in the mouth can help re-suck lost minerals back to enamel or the so-called remineralization.

These “assault and recuperation” happens when you eat or drink. Tooth decay is progressing throughout some period of time if the “assault” is more than “recuperation”.

Here are the following factors that can contribute to tooth decay:

1. Frequent eating and drinking sweet foods and drinks can cause decay of teeth.

2. Poor amount of fluoride in saliva may contribute to the decay of teeth. Drinking water with fluoride helps to protect the tooth against decay. The fluoride in saliva binds to minerals lost from teeth and helps remineralization. By regularly drinking water with fluoride provides a continuous source of fluoride in saliva. Meanwhile, brushing your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste does not guarantee continuous resources of fluoride.

3. The dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay. Saliva helps to protect the teeth by acting as a repository for fluoride and also by cooling the acid.

PREVENTION OF TOOTH DECAY

Here are the following tips to reduce the risk of tooth decay:

1. Limit sweet and acidic foods and beverages.

2. Choose healthy snacks such as fruits, cheeses, and vegetables.

3. Brush the teeth and along the line of gums twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

4. Drink plenty of water as well as fluoridated water.

5. Chew sugar-free gum to increase your saliva flow.

6. Ask your dental professional how often you need to visit for dental examination.

TREATMENT OF TOOTH DECAY

Unfortunately, when the damage of the teeth reaches an irreparable state, the tooth can no longer be restored to its original form. All we can do is to save our decay tooth by filling or commonly known as dental pasta.

The second option is root canal treatment, where the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the damaged tooth is cleaned and sealed.

There is also pulp capping, where dental caries removed from a tooth.

And lastly, the fissure sealing, where dentist cleans the tooth first and remove any stains before sealing it with plastic coatings that serve as a protective layer to the teeth.

However, if the tooth can no longer be saved by filling, extraction by your trusted dentist is the only solution to ease the pain caused by tooth decay.

CONCLUSION

Please note that tooth decay is a preventable disease, in both children and adults, when you know the tips and information on how to take good care of your teeth.