Tooth decay is caused when bacteria,acid, small food particles and saliva mix with each other and form plaque that sticks to the tooth. If the plaque is not taken off, it can lead to the complicating factors like a cavity, a tooth abscess, tartar, gingivitis, and possibly periodontitis. This short report is being shared to provide a look at the causes of tooth decay, the signs and symptoms and additionally how you and your dentist can work together to prevent and/or treat this problem.
Tooth Decay Causes And Symptoms
Tooth decay is a quite common issue and can come about at any age but is more typical in kids and young adults. It comes about when regular bacteria of the mouth mix with acids, food particles and saliva resulting in plaque, a sticky compound that sticks to the tooth.
The acids in the plaque lead to continual destruction of the enamel (outer level of tooth) and dentin (level below the enamel) with the formation of a cavity being seen. The tooth may proceed to decay till it includes the pulp (level beneath the dentin which consists of the blood vessels and nerves), which can result in pain and cause the tooth to be destroyed and lost.
If the plaque is not eliminated it can mineralize into tartar and lead to irritation and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and perhaps periodontitis, which is the irritation and infection of the ligaments and bones which support the teeth.
Meals that include carbohydrates like sugar and starch put a person at higher risk of developing tooth decay.
Signs or symptoms may include a darkish area or visible hole on the tooth surface, and the tooth may be painful or sensitive to heat or cold.
Tooth Decay Diagnosis And Treatment
Observation of the aforementioned signs may be noted and ought to be evaluated by a dental professional. However, a lot of cavities are discovered during a routine dental examination. The examination may incorporate x-rays, which can discover cavities before they are noticeable on the surface of the tooth.
Treatment starts off with preventative measures, which incorporate good dental hygiene such as regular brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups by a dentist. A dental professional or medical practitioner may prescribe fluoride tablets to be used whilst the teeth are developing in a young child. Day-to-day consumption of refined carbohydrates or sugars should be minimized considering that they encourage tooth decay.
If a cavity is found, the decayed structure is removed from the tooth and replaced by a filling that is generally a material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain or composite resin.
A crown or “cap” may be utilized by a dental office to deal with tooth decay if the injury to the tooth is extensive or there is only a small overall amount of the normal tooth structure present.
A root canal is used when the nerve of the tooth dies. In that situation, the pulp and the decayed segment of tooth are removed and filled with a sealing material.
