Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent dental issues among most people. People of all age groups find themselves suffering from decayed teeth at some point in their lives. The most common reason why tooth decay is because the bacteria in the mouth produce acid that leads to the corrosion of the tooth enamel. That’s why you always hear dentists advising you to brush your teeth twice a day and floss them regularly.
However, acid production by the bacteria isn’t the only reason why you might suffer from tooth decay and other dental issues. In this blog, we will tell you about the most common reasons why tooth decay occurs. We will also discuss how you can treat a decayed tooth and how to prevent it from happening.
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What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is commonly known as dental caries or cavities. Tooth decaying is the process where the enamel and dentin of the teeth get damaged as they come in contact with the acid produced by the bacteria in your mouth. There are different types of tooth decay. Each type differs according to the severity and location of the decay in your tooth.
Causes Of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a multifaceted issue that can arise because of several reasons. Let’s explore a few causes of tooth decay:
1. Genetics
The most important factor influencing most of the dental issues among people is genetics. If your genes are more susceptible to tooth decay, you might end up having more than just one cavity.
Some people inherit a higher tendency for decayed teeth due to the genetic makeup of their enamel, saliva composition, and even their oral health. For instance, thinner enamel can be a hereditary trait among some individuals which makes them more vulnerable to acid attacks.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is the primary reason why tooth decay occurs. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you develop a sticky film of bacteria, called plague, on your teeth. Sometimes, brushing and flossing aren’t enough to remove this sticky film.
When the plague doesn’t come off from your teeth, it hardens and forms into tartar which causes cavities. Therefore, regular cleaning of teeth and dental checkups are necessary to prevent tooth decay.
3. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is often called xerostomia and is a common cause of a decayed tooth. The production of saliva is important in neutralising acids that the bacteria produce in the mouth. Salvia also helps in washing away the food particles from your mouth.
When the production of saliva is not sufficient, your mouth becomes an ideal place for the bacteria to grow. Eventually, you develop decayed teeth. Dry mouth is the result of medications, medical conditions, and dehydration. So, you should also keep yourself hydrated and drink enough water to manage the dry mouth.
Symptoms Of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can manifest itself into a major dental problem at later stages. So, you must pay attention as soon as you start experiencing some common symptoms of tooth decay. The below-mentioned are some common signs that you need to watch for.
1. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is the initial sign of a decaying or a decayed tooth. You feel sensitivity in your tooth when the enamel begins to wear away and the dentin gets exposed. Sometimes, you might also feel a sharp pain or discomfort when you consume hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. It could be a sign of a rotting tooth.
2. Toothache Or Pain
A persistent toothache is also a clear symptom of a rotting tooth. The pain can be dull, sharp, and even intense. Sometimes, you might also experience deep pain when you bite your food.
If you feel such discomfort, it could point to the fact that the decay has progressed to the deeper layers of the tooth. It could affect the nervous system and the tissues if you don’t pay attention to it.
3. Visible Holes Or Pits
As tooth decay advances, it can create visible holes or pits in the affected teeth. You can easily see these cavities when you conduct a closer inspection. These holes may feel rough or jagged to the tongue. Holes or pits are a clear indicator that the decay is significant and requires immediate dental attention.
4. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Chronic bad breath is medically known as halitosis. It can be a symptom of tooth decay. Bad breath is the result of the bacteria feeding on food particles and decaying tissues that produce foul-smelling compounds. If you notice persistent bad breath despite regular brushing and flossing, it could be linked to decayed teeth.
Treatment Of Tooth Decay
The prevalence of tooth decay is nearly 90% in adults aged 20 to 64 years. This vast prevalence mandates proper medical intervention. If this decay stays for too long, it could lead to extreme discomfort. The cavity can become very deep and you might have to opt for more advanced treatments. Based on the intensity of the tooth decay, the dentist in sunshine coast might opt for one of the below-mentioned treatments.
1. Dental Fillings
The doctor will opt for the dental filling option if the decay has progressed. Dental fillings help in restoring your tooth. The dentist takes out the decayed material from the tooth and fills the cavity with a durable material. Dental filling can help in stopping the spread of cavities to other teeth surrounding the decayed tooth.
2. Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is an option when the decay reaches the tooth’s pulp. When the decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, the tooth can experience significant trauma. The pulp can also become inflamed due to severe infection. RCT can save the tooth and prevent any further spread of infection.
3. Fluoride Treatments And Sealants
The dentist recommends fluoride treatments and sealants when the tooth cavity is in the initial stages of tooth decay. These treatments can fix the problem and stop it from spreading to other parts of your teeth.
Prevention Of Tooth Decay
Prevention is better than cure and any person can avoid dental cavities by caring for his oral health. Below are some tips for preventing tooth decay and cavities.
1. Maintain Regular Oral Hygiene
The prevention of tooth decay starts with maintaining regular oral hygiene. Maintaining oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth twice every day with a good fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, you should also include flossing in your dental care routine.
2. Healthy Diet and Limit Sugary Foods
Following a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods can also help in preventing tooth decay and cavities. Sugar promotes the growth of decay-causing bacteria in your mouth. So, if you avoid it altogether, you can have a healthy mouth free of any dental cavities.
Conclusion
Tooth decay is a common problem that almost every person suffers from at some point in time. However, it is possible to prevent this dental issue from arising. All you need to do is make sure that you are taking preventive measures against dental caries.
If you think you might have developed tooth decay, look for the symptoms and visit Oris Dental regularly. The experienced dentists here will ensure that your smile stays bright and healthy. They will also give you the best advice for treating and preventing tooth decay.
Contact us to learn more about effective tooth decay treatment.
FAQs
Q) How long does it take for tooth decay to develop?
Ans: Tooth decay can develop in a few months to several years. It depends on several factors like your oral hygiene, diet, and the natural hardness of your enamel.
Q) How long does tooth decay last?
Ans: If left untreated, tooth decay can persist indefinitely, progressively worsening over time.
Q) What happens if you have tooth decay for a long time?
Ans: Prolonged tooth decay can lead to serious complications. You might end up developing cavities, infection, and abscess formation. The decay can also spread to adjacent teeth and even affect your overall health.
Q) Can tooth decay be removed?
Ans: Yes, a dentist can help in treating and removing tooth decay. Treatments vary based on the stages of tooth decay and can include fluoride treatments, dental fillings, and, in severe cases, root canal treatment.
Q) How can I treat decayed teeth at home?
Ans: While you can’t completely treat decayed teeth at home, you can manage early-stage decay by practising good oral hygiene, reducing sugar intake, and using fluoride toothpaste.
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.
