The Truth About Tooth Decay: What Everyone Needs to Know, According to Town Square Dental, Gilbert

Tooth decay is one of the prevalent oral health conditions affecting people of all ages. It causes intense tooth pain and sensitivity, impacting the person’s quality of life. Untreated tooth decay leads to tooth loss and gum disease. Continue reading to learn the truth about tooth decay from the Gilbert dentist.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay occurs due to the action of plaque and acids on teeth. Your mouth contains bacteria that aid the food digestion process. Some debris is left in the mouth when you eat or drink. They combine with bacteria to produce plaque. Fortunately, you can stop the process by brushing and flossing your teeth daily.

Plaque contains acids which wear down the outer protective layer of the tooth, the enamel. After a while, plaque hardens to tartar and continues damaging the tooth enamel. Eventually, small holes, known as cavities, form on the tooth surface.

Dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, is softer. So, larger and deeper cavities form in it. Decay also occurs in the pits and fissures on the teeth. This type of decay progresses quickly since it is not easy to brush these areas properly. Another type of decay is root decay. It occurs on the tooth roots and usually affects people with receded gums.

What Are the Signs of Decay?

Signs and symptoms of dental decay depend on the stage of the deterioration. Tooth decay on the enamel or tooth surface is signified by discoloration. The decayed part of the tooth may be brownish instead of white. During this stage, you will not experience painful symptoms.

When decay occurs on the dentin, it affects the tooth nerves. Therefore, you will experience tooth sensitivity to cold or hot foods and beverages. If the decay is left untreated, the cavities will enlarge and spread to the inner part of the tooth, the pulp.

Decay affecting the dental pulp has various symptoms. They include the following:

• Redness and swelling in the gum tissues around the decayed tooth.
• Dark brown or black spots appear on the tooth.
• Severe tooth pain that may not be eased by over-the-counter medication.
• Bad mouth odor or a bad taste in the mouth due to dental and periapical abscesses.
• Facial swelling and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
• Extreme tooth sensitivity to pressure on the tooth and high or low temperatures.

Can Tooth Decay Be Prevented?

Yes, it is possible to prevent tooth decay at home and with the help of a dentist near you. The best way to avoid tooth decay is by maintaining proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a good toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you are prone to decay, ask your dentist to recommend ideal toothpaste and mouth rinses.

In addition, you should floss between your teeth daily using a flossing thread or Waterpik. If you have difficulties flossing your teeth, consider using interproximal toothbrushes. They will help remove food debris and plaque between teeth preventing decay.

Visiting the dentist often will also help prevent tooth decay. Below are measures dentists take to prevent erosion.

1. They clean your teeth thoroughly during routine dental checkups. Cleaning eliminates plaque and tartar, which lead to decay.
2. The dentist will perform fluoride treatments to strengthen the tooth, preventing plaque action. Fluoride treatments also reverse early cavities.
3. They will examine your teeth regularly to check for risk of cavities or detect new cavities. Then, they will treat them appropriately.
4. If you are prone to tooth decay, the dentist will apply dental sealants on your teeth. The protective layer will protect your teeth from acids and bacteria that erode the enamel.
5. The dentist will advise you on the right diet for your teeth. For instance, they will request you to avoid eating sugary and acidic things since they lead to decay. They will also advise you against habits that lead to decay, such as chewing hard items like ice and pens.
6. They will also ensure you acquire the right techniques for brushing and flossing. This will ensure you or the kids maintain proper dental hygiene.
7. If you have cavities, the expert will treat them and prevent further teeth deterioration. They may use dental fillings, onlays, inlays and crowns.

Schedule an appointment at Town Square Dental & Orthodontics to prevent or treat tooth decay.