What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Note that It could lead to further problems, such as dental caries, gum disease or dental abscesses, which are collections of pus at the end of the teeth or in the gums.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of cavities could vary. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. When the tooth decay gets larger, it could cause signs and symptoms such as:
Spontaneous pain, toothache or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
Some visible holes or pits in your teeth
Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
Tooth sensitivity
Feeling pain when you bite down
Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
Causes
Cavities are caused by tooth decay — a process that occurs over some time. Here's how tooth decay develops:
Plaque forms. Dental plaque is a clear sticky film that coats your teeth. It could happened as a result of eating a lot of sugars and starches and not cleaning your teeth well. If sugars and starches aren't cleaned off your teeth, bacteria could quickly begin feeding on them and form plaque. Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden under or above your gum line into tartar (calculus). Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a shield for bacteria.
Plaque attacks. The acids in plaque remove minerals in your tooth's hard, outer enamel.The first stage of cavities is when this erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel. Once areas of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth. It is called dentin. This layer is softer than enamel and less resistant to acid. Dentin has tiny tubes that directly communicate with the nerve of the tooth causing sensitivity.
Destruction continues. While tooth decay develops, the bacteria and acid continue their march through your teeth, moving next to the inner tooth material (pulp) that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes swollen and irritated from the bacteria. Because there is no place for the swelling to expand inside of a tooth, the nerve becomes pressed, causing pain. Discomfort can even extend outside of the tooth root to the bone.
Tooth Decay Prevention
If you practice a good oral and dental hygiene then it could help you avoid cavities and tooth decay. There are some tips to help prevent cavities. Ask one of our dentists which of these tips are best for you.
Visit your dentist regularly. Get professional teeth cleanings and regular oral exams, which can help prevent problems or spot them early. Your dentist can recommend a schedule that's best for you.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. To clean between your teeth, floss or use an interdental cleaner.
Rinse your mouth. If your dentist feels you have a high risk of developing cavities, he or she may recommend that you use a mouth rinse with fluoride.
Consider dental sealants. A sealant is a protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of back teeth. It seals off grooves and crannies that tend to collect food, protecting tooth enamel from plaque and acid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sealants for all school-age children. Sealants may last for several years before they need to be replaced, but they need to be checked regularly.
Drink some tap water. Most public water supplies have added fluoride, which can help reduce tooth decay significantly. If you drink only bottled water that doesn't contain fluoride, you'll miss out on fluoride benefits.
Eat tooth-healthy foods. Some foods and beverages are better for your teeth than others. Avoid foods that get stuck in grooves and pits of your teeth for long periods, or brush soon after eating them. However, foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow, and unsweetened coffee, tea and sugar-free gum help wash away food particles.
Avoid frequent snacking and sipping. Whenever you eat or drink beverages other than water, you help your mouth bacteria create acids that can destroy tooth enamel. If you snack or drink throughout the day, your teeth are under constant attack.
Consider fluoride treatments. Your dentist may recommend periodic fluoride treatments, especially if you aren't getting enough fluoride through fluoridated drinking water and other sources. He or she may also recommend custom trays that fit over your teeth for application of prescription fluoride if your risk of tooth decay is very high.
Combined treatments. Chewing xylitol-based gum along with prescription fluoride and an antibacterial rinse can help reduce the risk of cavities.
Ask about antibacterial treatments. If you're especially vulnerable to tooth decay — for example, because of a medical condition — your dentist may recommend special antibacterial mouth rinses or other treatments to help cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Treatments for Tooth Decay
The tooth decay treatment depends on how advanced it is.
For the early stage of tooth decay – our dentist will talk to you about the amount of sugar in your diet and the times you eat. We may apply a fluoride gel, varnish or paste to the area. Fluoride could help to protect teeth by strengthening the enamel, making teeth more resistant to the acids from plaque that can cause tooth decay.
Our dentist may suggest a filling or crown with you – this involves removing the dental decay, offering local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and filling the hole
In case when tooth decay has spread to the pulp – it could be removed by root canal treatment.
If the tooth is very damaged that it cannot be restored, in this case the teeth has to be removed. Our dentist may be able to replace the tooth with a partial denture, bridge or implant. We offer a free consultation to help you find the treatment you need.
When to see a dentist
You may not be aware that a cavity is forming. That's why it's important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings, even when your mouth feels fine. However, if you experience a toothache or mouth pain, see our dentists in Norwalk, CT as soon as possible.
Do not hesitate, call us today at (203) 364-5084 or schedule your appointment ONLINE!