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What is tooth decay?
Cavities are little holes or openings in the hard surface of your teeth that are permanently damaged. Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are brought on by a number of things, including oral bacteria, frequent eating, consuming sugary beverages, and inadequate tooth cleaning. When plaque that accumulates on your teeth produces acid, tooth decay may result. Although children are more likely to develop cavities, adults can also have them due to changes brought on by ageing. Plaque can get into contact with tooth roots when there is receding gum tissue and a rise in gum disease. Cavities can affect everyone who has teeth, even young children. If left untreated, cavities get larger and harm your teeth’s inner structure. They may result in tooth loss, an infection, and extreme tooth pain.
What are the causes of tooth decay?
Your teeth are covered in a transparent, sticky film called plaque. It results from eating a lot of carbohydrates and starches and neglecting to properly brush your teeth. When carbohydrates and sugars aren’t removed from your teeth, bacteria start to feed on them and plaque is soon formed. The bacteria and acid that cause tooth decay keep migrating along the inner tooth material, which is home to nerves and blood vessels, as tooth decay progresses. The bacteria causes swelling and irritation of the pulp. More minerals are lost if the tooth decay process is allowed to continue. The enamel weakens and breaks down with time, creating a cavity. In your tooth, a cavity is a hole. A filling is required by a dentist to fix the lasting damage.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
- Early tooth decay typically has no symptoms. As tooth decay progresses, it may lead to:
- Tooth pain (tooth pain)
- Tooth sensitivity to cold, heat, and sweets
- Spots on a tooth’s surface that are either white or brown
- Cavity
- An infection that may result in the formation of an abscess.
- An abscess may result in fever, face swelling, and pain.
Is tooth decay a cavity?
Cavities are little holes or openings in the hard surface of your teeth that are permanently damaged. Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are brought on by a number of things, such as oral bacteria, frequent eating, consuming sugary beverages, and inadequate tooth cleaning.
Tooth decay: is it common?
Plaque, a sticky film formed by bacteria over your teeth, is the primary cause of tooth decay. Over time, this results in surface damage to your teeth. Children frequently have tooth decay, so it’s crucial to ensure that they start taking care of their teeth and gums at a young age.
How severe is dental decay?
If left untreated, cavities get larger and harm your teeth’s deeper layers. They may result in tooth loss, an infection, and excruciating dental pain. Your best defense against cavities and tooth decay is regular dental appointments and good brushing and flossing practices.
Why do my teeth deteriorate so quickly?
It results from eating a lot of carbohydrates and starches and neglecting to properly brush your teeth. When carbohydrates and sugars aren’t removed from your teeth, bacteria start to feed on them and plaque is soon formed. Tartar is created when plaque that remains on your teeth hardens beneath or above your gum line.
Know about the different levels of tooth decay:
Stage 1
Your teeth’s enamel is the tissue that consists their outer layer. The toughest tissue in your body, enamel is mainly comprised of minerals. The enamel starts to lose these elements as a tooth is exposed to the acids made by dental plaque. You can see a white spot growing on one of your teeth when this happens. The loss of minerals in this area is the first indication of tooth decay.
Stage 2
Enamel will weaken even more if tooth decay is allowed to continue. It’s possible that a white spot on a tooth turns brownish. Cavities, also known as dental cavities, or microscopic holes in your teeth, can develop as enamel weakens. Dentist will need to fix any cavities.
Stage 3
Additionally, the dentin contains tubes that connect to the tooth’s nerves. The tissue under the enamel is called dentin. Because of this, you could start to feel sensitive when dentin is impacted by tooth decay. This may be most noticeable when consuming hot or cold food or beverages.
Stage 4
The pulp is the tooth’s deepest layer. It houses the blood vessels and nerves necessary to maintain the tooth’s health. The pulp may get inflamed and begin to swell if it sustains damage. The surrounding tissues in the tooth may put pressure on the nerves because they are unable to enlarge to accommodate the swelling. Pain may result from this.
Stage 5
Abscesses in the teeth can cause excruciating discomfort that may spread to the jaw. Other symptoms that could be present include fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, and swelling of the gums, face, or jaw. A tooth abscess has to be treated right away because it might cause the infection to spread to your jawbone and other parts of your head and neck.
Who is susceptible to dental decay?
Not caring for your teeth and consuming an excessive amount of sugary or starchy meals and beverages are the main risk factors for tooth decay. Some individuals are more susceptible to tooth decay, especially those who:
- lack saliva due to medications, certain illnesses, or some cancer therapies
- Get insufficient fluoride
- Quite young. Children who drink from bottles, especially those who are given juice or receive bottles at sleep, are at danger. This causes them to have prolonged sugar exposure in their teeth.
- Are more aged the gums and teeth of many older persons are receding. These increase the possibility of tooth decay on the exposed root surfaces.
How to prevent from tooth decay problem:
You can take the following actions to stop tooth decay:
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth to ensure that you are receiving enough fluoride.
- Drinking fluoridated tap water. The majority of bottled water is fluoride-free.
- Applying fluoride mouthwash
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss your teeth every day to maintain good oral health.
- Limit your intake of meals and beverages that are heavy in sugars and carbs to make wise dietary decisions. Eat a variety of balanced, healthy meals and avoid snacking.
- Don’t use any tobacco products, not even smokeless varieties. If you currently smoke, you might want to stop.
Natural Home Remedies to Prevent Tooth Cavities:
Oral care
Cavities can be prevented and reversed by brushing your teeth with a high fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily and flossing once per day.
Pulling oil
A spoonful of coconut oil is swished around the mouth for roughly 20 minutes, and then it is spit out.
Chewing gum without sugar
After meals, chewing gum decreased bacteria levels that harm enamel. A stronger enamel that is better able to handle dental plaque may result from having less of these microorganisms.
Consumption of vitamin D
To prevent tooth decay, take foods high in vitamin D, like dairy products. Dental cavities can be avoided with the aid of vitamin D.
Application of clove oil
Pain relief is achieved by rubbing clove oil on the affected area two to three times daily. Clove oil can help prevent cavities since it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Related Terms:
5 Common Teeth Problems And How To Avoid It
Plaque & Tartar Buildup On Teeth And How We Can Remove This At Home?
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