Everything You Should Know About Tooth Decay

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If you have ever had tooth decay, then you probably know how painful and annoying it can be. Many people think that tooth decay can affect only children and people with a sweet tooth. But the reality is that tooth decay can affect everyone. That's why it is essential to be aware of its causes, symptoms, and treatment. In this article, we will tell you everything you should know about tooth decay.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is a condition in which a hole occurs in your tooth enamel. Many people don't even know that they have a cavity since it usually develops without any symptoms in the initial stages. Tooth decay can affect both baby and permanent teeth.

Causes of tooth decay

There is a common misconception that tooth decay occurs because of sugar. Indeed, the increased consumption of sweets has a link with tooth decay, but the truth is that a cavity is caused by bacteria that inhabit your oral cavity.

If you don't maintain proper oral hygiene, you promote the bacteria to multiply actively. During their vital activity, these bacteria produce acids that soften and wear out your tooth enamel. Additionally, bacterial overgrowth can also cause bad breath and gum disease.

Symptoms of tooth decay

As mentioned above, a cavity can develop asymptomatically when it affects only tooth enamel and dentin. But when tooth decay reaches the inner layer of the tooth called the pulp, you may experience a severe toothache. The pulp is filled with nerve endings and blood vessels. That's why you may experience the following symptoms:

- Toothache

- Increased tooth sensitivity to temperature changes or sweets

- Grey, black, or brown spots on the tooth enamel

- Unpleasant taste in the mouth

- Bad breath

Treatment of tooth decay

Even though there are a lot of home remedies and pain medications that can help cope with a toothache, you should understand that tooth decay can only be treated by a dentist. Treatment for tooth decay usually depends on the severity of the damage.

In the initial stages, your dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth and replace it with a tooth filling. If a big part of tooth enamel is affected by tooth decay, you may need to get a dental crown.

When the cavity becomes significant and reaches the roots of the tooth, your dentist will perform a root canal procedure. But if tooth decay destroys the entire tooth including the roots, you may need to remove the tooth and get a dental implant or dental bridge to replace the missing tooth.

Complications of tooth decay

If tooth decay has affected baby teeth, it is essential to undergo treatment as soon as possible. You should understand that a cavity can reach the developing permanent teeth. This can result in severe complications in the future.

People with untreated tooth decay are also more prone to get a dental abscess. This condition occurs when the infection penetrates the tooth and leads to the development of a sac with pus. Symptoms of a dental abscess include:

- Severe toothache

- Gum swelling

- Bad breath

- Unpleasant taste in the mouth

- Increased tooth sensitivity

- Fever

A dental abscess should be treated immediately to prevent the spread of the pus and further complications.

Prevention tips

If you want to prevent the development of tooth decay, you should pay sufficient attention to your oral hygiene. You need to brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss daily to remove food particles, dental plaque, and bacteria from your mouth.

It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals. For example, dairy products are a great source of calcium, which is essential for your teeth and bones. Crunchy vegetables and fruits help remove dental plaque from your teeth and improve blood circulation in your gums.