Your teeth are vulnerable to decay due to exposure to various risk factors. Our dentist in Bradford, Ontario, checks your dental condition and guides you on the ideal steps to take to lessen the risk of having dental caries. Failure to address tooth caries early may lead to severe pain and other oral health complications. This guide looks at the causes of tooth decay, symptoms you need to look out for, and various treatment options.
What’s Tooth Decay and Its Causes
Tooth decay or erosion of the enamel occurs gradually. The protective tooth layer is softened and weakened by acids produced by bacteria. Food debris trapped between your teeth leads to the formation of plaque. Plaque produces acid that erodes the tooth enamel leading to the formation of cavities. Failure to undergo preventive dental care can lead to dental fissures or cavities becoming larger and more severe.
Sugary and sticky foods or beverages causes tooth decay. Progressive consumption of carbs and other sugary diets leads to decay. Plaque deposition leaves your tooth vulnerable to decay. Therefore, it’s imperative to follow proper oral health practices and minimize the risk of dental caries.
Signs of Tooth Decay and Cavities
There are numerous indicators for the formation of cavities. Below are some of the signs of cavities:
- Hot and cold sensitivity- hot or cold sensation indicates you have a cavity. Once the tooth enamel is eroded, it forms fissures, and the protective layer becomes thin, exposing the tooth to sensitivity.
- Toothache- toothache may indicate you have an underlying dental issue. The presence of pain in your tooth is a sign of a cavity. The discomfort occurs when you bite down food.
- The presence of stains on your dental-advanced tooth decay causes dark stains on your affected tooth. Therefore, you should visit the dentist near you if you see black, brown stains on your tooth surface.
- Pit or fissure on your tooth- a severe cavity causes a hole or a pit on your tooth. Some pits between teeth or crevices may not be easily identified, but you’ll feel discomfort or sensitivity. You need to seek help from the general dental care office near you.
Treatment Options for Tooth Decay and Cavities
Our dentist in Bradford, Ontario, can enable you to reverse the action of tooth decay by seeking early treatment. However, the cavity may become severe and require extensive treatment. The treatment for tooth decay depends on the condition of your dental, and some of the treatment options include:
- Fluoride treatment- undergoing fluoride treatment restores your tooth enamel and reverses tooth decay at its early stages. Professional fluoride treatment uses a higher concentration of fluoride ideal for treating your teeth.
- Having a dental crown- A dental crown is placed on your tooth if your tooth enamel is severely eroded. The crown is placed on your tooth to prevent further damage.
- Placement of dental fillings- dental fillings can be used to restore your tooth structure if the decay has progressed beyond the earliest stages.
- Root canal procedure- preventive dental care prevents you from undergoing extensive dental procedures. However, if the tooth decay reaches the pulp, you’ll require root canal therapy.
If your tooth is severely decayed, your specialist will perform a dental extraction.
Tooth Decay and Cavity Prevention
You can strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent dental caries by following the vital tips below:
- Follow an ideal diet that’s sugar-free since sugar causes bacteria to thrive
- Use fluoridated toothpaste to re-mineralize your teeth and strengthen your tooth enamel.
- Floss regularly to remove plaque and food debris between your teeth to ensure healthy gum tissues and prevent tooth decay.
- Schedule general dental care visits for dental exams and cleaning
- Change your toothbrush regularly to ensure the bristles are robust enough to eliminate plaque.
Tooth decay can lead to pain and compel you to seek extensive dental health procedures. At South Simcoe Dental Care, our oral health specialists examine your dental to identify any oral problems and plan for treatment before the issue spreads or leads to other complications. We also provide you with guidelines on how to observe proper oral health treatment. Please reach out to our experts and preserve your teeth from decay.