It’s referred to be a cavity by you. Tooth decay, often known as dental caries, is what your dentist refers to. All of these terms refer to a hole in your teeth. Learn more how dentists treat tooth decay and how to avoid it.
What is a Tooth Decay?
Damage to the surface or enamel of a tooth is known as tooth decay. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at your teeth’s enamel. Cavities (dental caries) are holes in your teeth caused by tooth decay. If left untreated, dental decay can lead to discomfort, infection, and even tooth loss.
What Are The Causes of Tooth Decay?
Bacteria abound in our mouths. Some bacteria can be beneficial. However, some, such as those that contribute to tooth decay, can be hazardous. Plaque is formed when bacteria interact with food to produce a soft, sticky coating. Plaque bacteria produce acids from the sugar and starch in your food and drink. The acids start to chip away at your enamel’s minerals. Plaque can harden into tartar over time. Plaque and tartar can irritate your gums and develop gum disease, in addition to harming your teeth. Fluoride is found in toothpaste, water, and other products. This fluoride, in combination with your salvia, aids enamel healing by replenishing minerals. All-day long, your teeth go through this normal process of losing and recovering minerals. However, if you don’t brush your teeth and/or consume and drink a lot of sugary or starchy foods, your enamel will continue to lose minerals. Tooth decay happens as a result of this.
Where minerals have been lost, a white patch may form. This is an indication of tooth decay in its early stages. At this stage, you might be able to halt or reverse the degradation. If you take better care of your teeth and avoid sugary/starchy meals and drinks, your enamel can still heal.
However, if tooth decay persists, more minerals will be lost. Enamel weakens and deteriorates with time, resulting in a cavity. A cavity is a hole in your tooth that is filled with bacteria. A dentist must use a filling to fix the irreversible damage.
Visiting the Dentist
Visit your dentist on a regular basis so that early tooth decay may be addressed and decay prevention can begin. Early tooth decay is significantly easier and less expensive to cure. With a simple examination or X-ray, dentists can typically detect tooth decay and other issues. Find a dentist near you. Regular dental examinations are also essential. Adults should get a check-up every two years, while children under the age of 18 should have a check-up once a year.
Tooth Decay Treatment Options
Tooth decay is treated differently depending on how far it has progressed.
If you have early-stage tooth decay, your dentist will discuss the quantity of sugar in your diet as well as the times when you consume it. A fluoride gel, varnish, or paste may be applied to the affected region. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of teeth, making them more resistant to the acids found in plaque, which can cause tooth decay.
If tooth decay has advanced to the pulp (the soft tissue in the centre of the tooth that contains blood and nerves), root canal therapy may be required.
If the tooth is too seriously injured to be healed, it may have to be removed. A partial denture, bridge, or implant may be used to replace the missing tooth.