Tooth decay (also called caries or cavities) is permanent tooth damage that occurs when the tooth enamel develops a hole (cavity). Even though tooth decay is more common for children and adults that consume a lot of sweets, it can affect everyone.
It is essential to understand that tooth decay should be treated by a dentist. Indeed, OTC painkillers and some home remedies can help ease a toothache, they can’t cure the tooth. In this article, we have gathered five important facts about tooth decay you should know about.
1. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria
Many people think that tooth decay is caused by sugar. The reality is that sugar doesn’t wear tooth enamel but it creates a perfect environment for bacteria. When these bacteria multiply actively, they produce a lot of acids that destroy tooth enamel. As a result, you can develop a cavity. Additionally, if you consume a lot of acidic foods and drinks, it can also soften your tooth enamel and contribute to tooth decay.
2. A cavity can develop without symptoms
In the initial stages, tooth decay can develop without any symptoms or cause mild symptoms that can be left unnoticed. At first, a cavity can manifest itself through a dark or white stain on the tooth. But then the condition progresses, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth.
Due to the asymptomatic development, many people don’t know that they have tooth decay and don’t visit the dentist on time. That’s why regular dental check-ups are essential even if you don’t have any symptoms. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause severe toothache and even damage the tooth.
3. Tooth decay can destroy the tooth completely
If you tend to endure toothache caused by tooth decay and avoid treatment, your cavity can grow and ruin the tooth. In this case, you will have to get a dental crown to cover the root of the tooth and restore its function. Otherwise, you can have problems with eating and speaking as well as aesthetic issues.
4. Untreated tooth decay can lead to a dental abscess
A dental abscess is a condition that occurs when the infection affects the roots of the tooth and leads to the development of a sac with pus. In most cases, the tooth can become infected through the untreated cavity. The most common symptoms of a dental abscess include unbearable toothache, bad breath, unpleasant taste in the mouth, and a swollen gum near the affected tooth.
A tooth abscess should be treated immediately after the diagnosis since it can cause severe complications. If the sac with the pus bursts, this pus can penetrate your neck, jaw, and even brain. If you have noticed at least some of the aforementioned symptoms, it is better to visit an emergency dentist as soon as you can.
5. You can prevent the development of cavities
If you want to prevent the development of tooth decay, you need to develop a few healthy habits. Firstly, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene. It means that you need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Secondly, you should decrease the consumption of sweet and acidic foods and drinks. Thirdly, you need to visit a dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and treatment if needed.
The bottom line
A few centuries ago, tooth extraction was the only way to get rid of tooth decay (and the affected tooth as well). Fortunately, modern dentistry provides more gentle treatment options for cavities. Additionally, regular dental exams can prevent severe tooth damage and make the treatment painless.
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