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Tooth Decay - What you can do

Thu, 20th Apr 2017

We all need to look after our teeth, otherwise our smile might not be as bright, lively and beautiful as we would like it to be. Our teeth are a living part of our body that need to by kept safe and clean. 

When you become slack on brushing and flossing, oral care problems result, which could lead to tooth decay, cavities and gum problems. 

So what is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, is damage that occurs by a build up of bacteria (germs) in your mouth, which create acids that eat away at your teeth!

This can lead to damage or holes in your teeth, called cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to infection, pain and even tooth loss!

We all want to avoid tooth decay, thats why we are told to brush our teeth every day! 

What causes tooth decay?

Bacteria and food can cause tooth decay. You know that white, clear, sticky substance that is always forming on your teeth and gums? Well thats called ‘plaque’. This plaque contains bacteria, which feed on the sugars in the food you eat. 

Did you know?

Even babies can be at risk for tooth decay. Babies who are put to bed with a bottle can get "bottle mouth“. This is where decay is caused by the sugar in baby formula, milk or juice. Babies are not born with decay - causing bacteria, however it can be spread by adults who share spoons, forks, etc.   

It is important to do everything you can to avoid tooth decay and developing cavities. If left untreated, a cavity will cause the tooth to break down significantly. Eventually, uncontrolled decay may destroy the tooth completely. There is also the risk of developing an infection called an abscess where the infection spreads beyond the root of the tooth, into the body. This infection can spread, called septicaemia and can be fatal.

How can your dentist help? 

Your dentist can identify and reverse the early signs of decay, white spot lesions, with preventative measures and can diagnose cavities by examining the tooth surface. An x-ray may be necessary to see how far the cavity has gone into your tooth and to look for hidden holes between the teeth.

Possible symptoms of tooth decay or a cavity include;

• Toothache, (most common symptom) 
• Tooth sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold foods or drinks, 
• Pain when chewing.
• Swelling in your gums near a sore tooth. This can be a sign of severe tooth decay.
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• White, grey, brown, or black spots on your teeth.
• Broken or fractured teeth allow for increased decay

If you have a toothache, it is important that you see your dentist. Even through the pain can go away, the decay will keep growing.

Treatment options

• A filling - if a cavity has formed. After the decay is removed, the dentist uses a material to fill the hole and restore the tooth to its original shape.
• A crown - if the decay is severe and your tooth is badly damaged. A crown, or cap, is a man-made replacement for part of a tooth.
• A root canal - if the pulp of your tooth is infected. A root canal removes the diseased pulp of a tooth.
• Removal (extraction) - if the root of the tooth is severely damaged. The dentist may replace the tooth with a bridge or an implant.

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