WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY : It is defined as irreversible , slow progressing decay of hard tissues of the tooth , it involves destruction of hard tissues of the teeth by substances produced by oral micro-organisms.it also known as dental caries.
HOW TOOTH DECAY DEVELOPS; It develops due to combination of eating a diet high in sugar and poor oral hygiene.
If the plaque biofilm is not removed daily with adequate brushing and interdental cleaning, it turns the sugar we eat into acid which decay’s the tooth.
CAUSES OF TOOTH DECAY; Primary culprits for tooth decay are.
Poor Oral Hygiene; Inadequate brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash can allow to develop a plaque on the teeth. Over time plaque hardens into tartar, which is difficult to remove that leads to increasing risk of decay.
Sugary and acidic foods and drinks; when we take high amount of sugary or acidic foods and drinks leads to accumulation of harmful bacteria, which increases the enamel damage.
Lack of fluoride; Poor fluoride diet and absence of fluoride in tooth paste can weak the enamel of tooth which causes erosion and tiny holes.
Dry mouth(xerostomia); Saliva plays an important role in our mouth. Antimicrobial properties of saliva protect your teeth from dental caries. Reduced amount of flow of saliva in your mouth leads to more prone to dental caries.
Bacteria and plaque build-up; Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. Improper brushing and cleaning of the teeth may cause formation of plaque on your teeth, which leads to growth of bacteria results in destruction of enamel of tooth.
Genetics and family history; Sometimes genetics are also plays a major contributory effect for dental caries. In a family if parents had high number of dental cavities then children’s are also more prone to dental caries.
SYMPTOMS OF TOOTH DECAY;
Early Signs 1.White spots on teeth Advanced symptoms 1.Tooth pain, Bad Breath
2.Tooth Sensitivity 2.Visible pits or holes
3.Brown/black discoloration
If tooth decay left untreated leads to complications those are.
TOOTH DECAY PULPITIS ABSCESS TOOTH LOSS
PREVENTION OF TOOTH DECAY
Brushing and flossing techniques: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily .
Fluoride: should use fluoride containing tooth paste and mouthwash so that it helps to strengthens the enamel.
Dental check-ups: Regular dental checkups and cleaning procedures may helps in early detection and prevention of tooth decay
Diet Recommendations: reduce intake of sugar containing foods and acidic foods , beverages . opt for plenty of water over sugary drinks.
Dental sealants & fluoride treatments: Dental sealants are thin protective coatings and brushed onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth,which helps to prevent tooth decay. fluoride applications can ‘strengthens the teeth and reduces the risk of cavities’.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR TOOTH DECAY
Professional dental treatments;
1.Fillings-filling of cavities can be done with various materials such as composite resin or amalgam,gic.
2.Crowns-for more extensive tooth damage,crown may be needed to cover and protect the tooth.
3.Root canal – in cases of severe tooth infection or pulp involvement or damage root canal treatment may be performed to save the tooth.
Early decay managing products;
Fluoride varnishes-Fluoride varnish is a coating liquid for teeth, which is applied in thin layers on surfaces of teeth. It helps to prevents new cavities and slow down or stops decay from getting worse.
Desensitizing Tooth paste– In early tooth decay cases desensitizing tooth paste is helps in reducing sensitivity by blocking pain sensors in your mouth that respond to heat,cold and sugar.
Home remedies for symptom relief– Rinsing with saltwater may relieve tooth pain, applying clove oil can also reduce the tooth pain.