Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the damage to a tooth's surface caused by bacteria, which can lead to cavities if left untreated.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack the enamel, potentially leading to cavities (dental caries). If untreated, it can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.
What causes tooth decay?
Bacteria in your mouth combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. The bacteria in plaque use sugar and starch from your diet to create acids that eat away at enamel minerals. While saliva and fluoride help the enamel repair itself, a lack of oral care or high consumption of sugary and starchy foods can lead to mineral loss. This results in white spots (early decay) or permanent holes in the tooth (cavities).
Who is at risk?
Risk factors include poor oral hygiene and high sugar/starch intake. Specific groups at higher risk include:
- People who do not have enough saliva due to medicines, diseases, or cancer treatments.
- People who do not get enough fluoride.
- Very young children who drink from bottles containing juice or use bottles at bedtime.
- Older adults, who may have receding gums and wear on their teeth, exposing root surfaces to decay.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Early decay often has no symptoms. As it progresses, you may experience:
- Toothache or tooth pain.
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold.
- White or brown stains on the tooth surface.
- Visible cavities.
- Infection or an abscess (pocket of pus), which can cause facial swelling and fever.
Dentists diagnose decay by examining the teeth, probing with dental instruments, and occasionally using dental x-rays.
Treatments
Treatment depends on the severity of the decay:
- Fluoride treatments: For early decay to help enamel repair itself.
- Fillings: Removing decayed tissue and restoring the tooth with filling material.
- Root canal: Removing decayed pulp and cleaning the tooth if infection has spread inside.
- Extraction: Pulling the tooth in severe cases, often followed by a bridge or implant to replace the missing tooth.
Prevention
You can prevent tooth decay by:
- Ensuring adequate fluoride intake through toothpaste, tap water, or mouth rinse.
- Practicing good oral hygiene: brushing twice daily and flossing regularly.
- Making smart food choices by limiting sugary and starchy items.
- Avoiding all tobacco products.
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
- Using dental sealants for children to protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth.