Important Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common dental problem nowadays. It has serious effects on your general and dental health. Tooth decay is a dental problem that shouldn’t be overlooked both in adults and kids. Seeing your dentist should be the first thing to do once you notice tooth decay.

As said before, both adult and kid’s teeth can decay. This article aims at giving you the right information about this dental problem. You will be able to know how to keep your teeth strong and healthy. The tips we will give here will also help you achieve optimal oral health.

What is Tooth Decay?

This refers to the damage of your tooth enamel. A wide range of factors can cause or accelerate tooth decay. The enamel does become weak and soft as a result of losing important minerals. If not treated in time this will lead to a cavity on your tooth.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Below are the main symptoms of tooth decay. However, it is important to note that a decaying tooth may not necessarily be painful. These symptoms can also vary depending on several factors like the extent of the decay.

Tooth Sensitivity

You may experience tooth sensitivity while eating or drinking. This will happen when consuming cold or hot foods and drinks.

Toothache

The toothache can be continuous or as occasional pains. Toothache without a probable cause may indicate tooth decay or cavities. Talk to your dentist if you experience such a toothache. You can also visit our clinic for any restorative or general dentistry procedure to treat your tooth.

Black or Grey Spots on Teeth

This is a sign that your enamel is decaying and needs urgent attention.

Common Causes of Tooth Decay and How to Prevent It

These are the common causes of this dental problem you should look out for.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene causes a wide variety of dental issues. These issues can lead to serious health problems. Proper oral hygiene will protect your teeth from tooth decay and other dental problems. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is simple but vital when it comes to dental health.

Failing to brush and floss your teeth regularly will cause your teeth to decay. Without regular teeth brushing plaque buildup will encourage tooth decay. It is important to ensure you floss and brush your teeth regularly. Ensuring your kids adhere to proper oral hygiene will also prevent pediatric tooth decay.

Plaque Build up

Plaque buildup is another common cause of tooth decay. This occurs when you don’t practice proper oral hygiene. After eating starches or sugary foods plaque will form if you don’t properly brush and floss your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth feed on uncleaned sugars and starches forming plaques.

Plaque can harden after some time forming tartar. Tartar is not easy to remove and will shield the bacteria. Proper oral hygiene will prevent plaque and tartar formation.

Dry Mouth

Saliva plays an important role in keeping your teeth healthy. It helps prevent tooth decay by buffering the acid in on your teeth. Saliva also washes the plaque from your teeth. A dry mouth can cause your teeth to decay.

Treating Tooth Decay

Treatment options and procedures for this dental problem will depend on the extent of the damage.

Fluoride Treatment

We use fluoride treatment when the decay is not severe. This treatment will strengthen your teeth enamel. Your teeth will be able to resist acids that can cause decay. Your dentist can also use dental sealants to protect your teeth from further decay.

Filling

Filling is also a treatment option for this issue. First, local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Then the dentist will remove the decay and fill the hole.

Tooth Removal

This is the treatment option we use if your tooth is badly damaged. If we cannot restore your tooth we will have to remove it. We can then replace it with an implant.

Extra Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

These important tips will help you prevent tooth decay

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Especially between meals or when going to bed.
• Visit the dentist regularly
• Avoid smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol
• Practice proper oral hygiene