How to Treat Tooth Decay

Tooth decay refers to the an injury that affects your teeth. It could lead to cavities and dental abscesses and even loss of teeth. It is caused by the activities of certain bacteria that live within dental plaque.

The plaque-forming bacteria transform the sugars from your diet into acids. If plaque continues to accumulate over time, the acids may begin to cause damage to your teeth.

This is why maintaining good dental hygiene is an essential element in keeping teeth from decay.

Tooth decay can occur in a variety of stages. In the following article, we’ll look at each of these phases as well as the ways to treat tooth decay and offer ways to avoid the development of tooth decay.

Dental plaque is crucial in the process of tooth decay. Plaque is a transparent slippery film which covers the surface on your teeth. It’s composed of food particles, bacteria as well as saliva.

If your teeth haven’t been cleaned frequently, plaque may start to accumulate. It will also begin to harden over time, creating something known as tartar. Tartar could assist in defending bacteria which makes them more difficult to eliminate.

The general rule is that you can identify five different stages in tooth decay. Let’s look at them in more depth in the following paragraphs.

Stage 1: Initial demineralization

The tooth’s outer layer is comprised of a particular kind of tissue known as enamel. It is the most durable tissue found in your body. It’s composed of mostly minerals.

But as teeth are exposed to the acid produced by bacteria that cause plaque enamel starts to shed the minerals.

In this case you might notice an uncolored spot appear on your teeth. The area of loss of minerals is a sign that you are experiencing tooth decay.

Stage 2: Enamel decay

In the event that the tooth’s decay is allowed to go on the enamel will begin to break down even more. It is possible to notice the tooth with a white spot turns brown.

When enamel becomes weak tiny holes in your teeth , referred to as dental caries, also known as cavities could form. Cavities need to be treated by your dentist.

Stage 3: Dentin decay

Dentin is the layer of tissue that is beneath the enamel. It’s more brittle than enamel, making it more susceptible to harm from acid. This is why tooth decay progresses at a higher rate once it is in the dentin.

Dentin is also home to tubes that connect to nerves that are present in the tooth. This is why, when dentin becomes damaged due to tooth decay, one could be experiencing sensitivities. This can be noticed particularly in hot or cold drinks or foods.

Stage 4 Damage to the Pulp

The pulp forms the smallest part of the tooth. It houses nerves as well as blood vessels that aid in helping to maintain the health of your tooth. The nerves in the pulp also give the tooth with a sensation.

If the pulp is damaged occurs, it can be irritated and begin to expand. Since the tissues surrounding the tooth aren’t able to expand enough to support the swelling, pressure could be placed on nerves. This can cause pain.

Stage 5 Stage 5: Abscess

When tooth decay progresses to the pulp area, bacteria may enter and result in an infection. Inflammation in the tooth could result in the formation of a pus-filled pocket on the surface of your tooth, referred to as an abscess.

Abscesses in the teeth can be painful and could radiate into your jaw. Other signs that could be present are swelling of gums, jaw or face as well as fever and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.

An abscess in the tooth requires urgent treatment, since the infection may spread to the jaw bone and other parts of your neck and head. In some instances the treatment could involve removing the tooth affected.

The recommended treatment for tooth decay will be based on the stage of decay. Let’s look at the various options for treatment depending on the stage in tooth decay.

Initial demineralization

The initial phase of decay could actually be reversed prior to permanent damage develops. This is possible through the treatment of the teeth with fluoride.

You can get an appointment for a fluoride treatment in the dental office of your dentist. The treatment is typically put on the teeth as a form of a varnish or gel. Fluoride strengthens enamel, which makes stronger and more resistant acids that plaque bacteria produce.

Fluoride is also found in a variety of toothpastes, and is typically present in the tap water. Around 74 percent of Americans who get their water from a municipal water system are provided with fluorinated water.

Enamel decay

If tooth decay reaches this stage, there are usually cavities present. Fillings are utilized to treat tooth decay.

If you need to fill a hole the dentist will make use of a tool to take off any decay-related areas. The dentist will then fill the gap using a substance such as ceramic, resin as well as dental amalgam. The material used is usually identical to the color of your tooth.

Dentin decay

Since dentin is less brittle than enamel, dentin decay progresses at a quicker rate once it has reached the stage. If detected early, the decay can be treated using the use of a filler. In more serious instances, the placement of a crown might be necessary.

Crowns are cover of the upper part of your teeth above the gums (also known as the crown of your tooth). The tooth’s decayed portion is removed prior to when the crown is put in place. Healthy tooth tissue could be removed in order to make sure that the crown is fitted perfectly to the tooth.

Pulp damage

If you have tooth decay that has affected the pulp you’ll usually require an extraction procedure called a root canal. A root canal is the pulp that is damaged is extracted. The tooth cavity is cleaned and filled. A crown is then put on the tooth affected.

Abscess

If you’ve developed an abscess within your tooth Your dentist may do a root canal in order to treat the tooth to seal off the affected tooth. In the case of severe damage the affected tooth might require complete removal.

Antibiotics are also used to heal abscesses. They’re medications which eliminate bacteria.

Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine is essential to protecting your teeth from decay. Here are some tips that you can employ to keep your teeth safe caused by tooth decay.

Visit your dentist frequently Your dentist will be able in identifying and treating tooth decay before it becomes worse. Make sure you visit your dentist on a regular basis to get regular cleanings of your teeth and oral examinations.
Make sure you brush your teeth regularly: It’s advised to take your time to brush at least two times every day, and also after meals. Make sure to use fluorinated toothpaste.
Reduce sweets: Avoid the consumption of drinks or foods with a lots of sugar. A few examples are candies or cookies, as well as soft drinks.
Drinking your water right from the tap The majority of tap water has fluoride which helps maintain the strength of your enamel and help protect the enamel against decay.
Avoid snacking: Try to avoid snacking between meals, since this may cause the bacteria that live in your mouth more sugars that they can convert into acids.
Ask about sealants They are a fine layer of plastic that is placed on the rear teeth (molars). Molars are essential for chewing, however food particles can become trapped in their grooves. A sealant protects the molar’s surface and prevents this from occurring.

If you have tooth decay that is at an early stage there is a chance that you will not notice any signs. It is the reason that regular trips to the dentist are crucial. Your dentist will be able in identifying and addressing the beginning phases of decay prior to them beginning to get worse.

Consult your dentist if you notice tooth sensitiveness, tooth pain or swelling within your mouth. These could be indications of the advanced stage of tooth decay, or another dental issue that requires care.

Dental decay causes tooth decay because of the actions of the bacteria that reside in your the dental plaque. These bacteria transform sugars from your diet into acids, which then cause damage to teeth.

The five phases to tooth decay. The initial stage is typically not reversible, however later stages could result in permanent harm to the affected tooth.

The treatment options for tooth decay varies based on the stage it’s at. Examples of possible treatments include fillings with fluoride, fluoride treatments as well as root canals.

There are steps you can take to avoid tooth decay. This includes things like brushing your teeth at minimum two times each day, staying away from sweets, and making sure that you see your dentist on a regular basis.