Tooth Decay: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment

Are you suffering from tooth decay? It can manifest in different stages of severity and generally begins when bacteria in the mouth attack the tooth’s surface.

This can lead to the formation of small holes in a tooth known as a cavity.

Tooth decay occurs due to various factors, including plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene practices.
However, you can prevent it through various methods.

Remember, the earlier you address a cavity, the better your chances for a successful outcome and optimal oral health. By taking action early, you can take control of your oral health and prevent further complications.

This highlights the importance of addressing cavities promptly to maintain your oral health.

Read ahead to learn everything about tooth decay!

Dentists usually diagnose tooth decay or cavities during regular oral checkups.

Common symptoms of tooth decay typically include sensitivity, pain sensations, brown-colored gums, red or swollen gums, and pain while eating.

If decay is found in the earlier stages, it is easy to eliminate and requires less invasive oral procedures.

However, if the decay has reached more complicated and advanced stages, it can form a hole or cavity on teeth surfaces. In such instances, when simple dental treatments give no results, dentists turn to more complex approaches.

In some cases, if a tooth is no longer curable, dentists suggest extracting it. This will stop the spread of decay and protect the adjacent teeth.

Thus, it’s best to have dental checkups at least twice a year to diagnose cavities before they worsen or become hard to treat.
During these oral examinations, dentists examine the teeth with the help of different tools and instruments. They may also take dental X-rays. These will demonstrate decay or cavities while they are in the initial phase.

Prevention is always better than cure, and you’ll be happy to know that tooth decay is totally preventable. By following a few useful steps, you can always ward off cavities. Here’s what you need to do:

1.   Try to have a healthy, nutritious, and well-balanced diet.
2.   Limit eating excessively sweet and sugary food items. These may include candies, chocolates, ice creams, toffees, etc.
3.   Avoid going to bed without cleaning your teeth.
4.   Maximize your water intake.
5.   Make a habit of cleaning and brushing your teeth properly after every meal.
6.   Remember that brushing alone is not sufficient to clean your teeth. Also, use dental floss and try to rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
7.   Always use a toothpaste that has a high content of fluoride in it.
8.  Try chewing gum. This can increase saliva flow in your mouth and protect you from various oral diseases. However, always choose sugar-free gums.
9.  If you have spaces or deep grooves between your teeth, use sealants to seal those unwanted gaps. This will prevent the accumulation of plaque between your teeth.

By following all the above-mentioned steps, you can keep cavities at bay and enjoy optimal oral health.

Dentists can suggest patients different types of treatments for tooth decay depending on the severity, some of which include the following:

This is one of the simplest ways to eliminate and limit the spread of cavities when they are in the early stages. Fluoride is present naturally in so many food items like fish and tea and is also added to different kinds of toothpaste.

It is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and protects it from acid erosion, the main cause of tooth decay. It also acts as a shield against the formation of plaque and the production of bacteria that cause acidic damage to tooth enamel.

Additionally, fluoride can repair damaged enamel in the early stages of tooth decay. You can apply fluoride as a gel, varnish, or paste over the affected tooth to ensure its protection and restoration.

In some situations, dentists recommend patients undergo dental fillings, which are restorative oral treatments. They stick to affected teeth. This way, they help restore a decayed tooth’s integrity and functionality. There are various types of tooth-filling materials that dentists can offer. You can choose any of those as per your preferences and requirements.

Another effective method for eliminating cavities is the placement of dental crowns. Dentists attach these artificial tooth-shaped caps to the surface of decayed teeth. Then, the dentist drills off the affected portion of the teeth.

Dental crowns can be made from numerous materials, including ceramic, gold, porcelain, and glass. After discussing it with your dentist, you can opt for the type of dental crown that you find suitable.

Root canal treatment is one of the last options to save a severely decayed tooth. In this treatment, dentists remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of the affected tooth. Dental professionals then clean and disinfect the tooth. Next, they replace the extracted tooth roots with artificial ones. It is also the most effective method to save the form and function of surrounding teeth.

The extraction of damaged teeth is the last resort to prevent the spread of infection to adjacent oral structures. Endodontists suggest this treatment method only when decay has advanced to more complicated stages and no other therapy can prove useful. Dentists can then replace the teeth they have extracted with dental restorative options like bridges, dentures, or implants.

Tooth decay is a serious oral problem that requires immediate attention. If you ignore it for a certain period, it can cause severe consequences that can damage the entire oral health. Thus, try to visit your dentist at least two times a year. Also, keep a check on your own oral health. If you notice any symptoms that indicate decay, get prompt dental help.

Also, incorporate oral hygiene routines to prevent tooth decay. These include brushing your teeth regularly, avoiding extremely sugary food, and using fluoride-based toothpaste.

By paying proper attention to your dental well-being, you can maintain good oral health for your entire life!