The most significant reason for tooth decay is a hole in the tooth. Other factors can be teeth scraping and cavities. Bacteria in the mouth produce dental plaque, a layer that coats our teeth. When we drink high-sugar foods and drinks, bacteria in plaque break down the food’s sugars to produce acid, which ultimately makes a void in the tooth. A cavity is a small gap in the tooth in the early stages. Without medication, the hole will become more significant.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a bacterial-caused degradation of tooth structure.
Bacteria and food particles left behind by insufficient brushing form a soft, sticky film called plaque.
Plaque accumulation causes issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. People of all ages, including infants, teenagers, and adults, will suffer from tooth decay.
Symptoms:
You might not know that there is a hole in your tooth since it does not necessarily inflict distress. Following are the familiar signs of tooth decay:
- Toothache — any sharp pain from time to time
- Tooth sensitivity — sensations of pain while eating
- Black, brown, or yellow spots on the teeth
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Food being trapped between the teeth
- Bad breath
- An uncomfortable taste in the mouth
Treatment:
Contact your dentist if you think you have a hole in your tooth. Dentists to determine the degree of tooth decay typically use an X-ray. Treatment options for tooth decay can be:
- A filling or crown — it is an act of removing dental decay and then fill the tooth or covering it with a crown.
- Root canal — it is a good option only when tooth decay has extended to the tooth’s center, where the blood and nerves are located. Therefore, it will prevent teeth from corrosion.
- Tooth extraction — if a tooth is too severely damaged to be replaced, your dentist can prescribe extraction and replacement with a partial denture, implant, or bridge.
Prevention:
To avoid hole in your tooth and plaque accumulation, the following simple tasks should be performed regularly:
- Seeing the dentist regularly
- Eating on diets low in sugar
- Limiting the intake of sugary beverages
- Cleaning your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and practicing proper oral health
- Drink fluoridated water wherever possible to help protect the tooth enamel.
- If you have a chronic dry mouth, see a dentist and tell them about it.
- Floss between your teeth every day.
- Clean with mouthwash every day.
Fluoride is a mineral that may aid in the prevention of tooth decay. Fluoride can also cure or prevent tooth decay in its early stages. Fluoride protects teeth by reinforcing the enamel and making them immune to the acids from plaque that cause tooth decay. If your dentist believes you need additional fluoride, they can apply a fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth; recommend fluoride pills or a fluoride mouth rinse.
If you have concerns regarding tooth decay, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a complete diagnosis and proper treatment. Contact Vintage Smile Family Dentistry for further information on tooth decay.