Tooth Decay - What is it? Its Causes, Symptoms, And cure

Tooth Decay 

Tooth decay is the softening of your tooth enamel which results in the damage of your teeth's structure by the production of acids which are created when the bacteria in your mouth gets accumulated due to the breakdown of sugar. 

If you do not treat this, then a cavity is formed that is a hole starts getting formed. These holes can grow larger if left untreated and destroys the entire tooth. 

When the bacteria eat away the next layer of the teeth, it results in the cavity; This makes the nerves get exposed which results in pain and sensitivity to food and drinks. One of the most common outcomes of tooth decay is a dental cavity, which is a sign of bad oral hygiene.

Tooth Decay

Causes 

There are some causes that lead to tooth decay. It usually occurs when you do floss or brush your teeth properly due to which the food particles and matter get stuck in between your teeth. 

Majority of the causes are due to eating sugary food items, sticky foods, and beverages. Sugar ends up combining with a plaque to weaken the tooth enamel, leaving it vulnerable to tooth decay. 

• Poor Oral Hygiene - Not regularly brushing your teeth makes your teeth vulnerable to the bacteria to attach and cause cavities. 
• Plaque Formation - Plaque is formed when the bacteria is formed in the mouth due to the acid from the food items, saliva, and accumulation of food particles in the mouth. The acids attack the enamel of your tooth and eventually cause the formation of holes which is called as cavities. 
• Dry Mouth - Saliva helps in washing the bacteria from the mouth. A dry mouth results in the formation of bacteria which will build up more. 
• Eating And Drinking - This is how we end up having cavities in our teeth. We cannot ignore the intake of sugary food items which is why it is important to brush and floss every day. 
• Bacteria And Acid - Bacteria stays in your mouth which causes the acid to destroy the tooth enamel. 
• Medical Problems - It can be a cause that can result in the formation of acid which is secreted by the stomach. It increases the risk of the tooth cavity. 

Symptoms 

The tooth symptoms are pretty easy to detect. If you take notice of any signs, then you should consult your dentist as soon as possible. The quicker you take note of the symptoms, the quicker you can treat it. Some of the signs of tooth decay are: 

• Pain - a Toothache is one of the most common symptoms of tooth decay. 
• Pressure - Tooth sensitivity and pain is increased when you bite your teeth. 
• Pits - It is a noticeable hole in the teeth where it is affected. It mostly is detected by X-rays. 
• Pus - It is one of the most severe symptoms of tooth decay. 

Signs Of Tooth Decay

Prevention 

There are a lot of ways that you can take to prevent tooth decay: 

• Toothbrush - It is imperative to brush your teeth daily by carefully flossing so that you don't have food particles stuck in your teeth. Oral-B toothbrushes are a good choice. 
• Toothpaste - This is one of the essential components of oral hygiene. It helps in preventing tooth decay. Few kinds of toothpaste contain specific acidic materials which assist in killing the bacteria. 
• Dental Floss - Regular flossing is also important. It removes the stuck food particles in between the teeth that prevent tooth decay. 
• Mouthwash - It is like the last step of prevention which can help you in maintaining good oral hygiene. It kills the bacteria and plaque that is present in the mouth to give fresh breath. 

Treatment 

A person will suffer at least one or two tooth cavities in his/her lifetime. Being diagnosed with tooth cavities is not something to worry about. It is essential to operate the cavity as soon as possible before you end up losing a tooth. They are to treat. 

The most basic way of treatment is filling the cavity which is decayed. The filling is made of resins, porcelain, and amalgam. The extensive treatment is securing the tooth with crowns and root canals. Fillings help in stopping the cavity to grow further. 

It is essential to consult a dentist soon. 

Dr. Brady Bates, a Spokane Dentist, always recommends visiting dentists who are specialized in treating tooth decays with precision. The most important advice he gives his patients is that having healthy oral hygiene gives a healthy smile.