Everything You Should Know About Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also called cavities or caries, is a common problem for people all over the world. Despite the common belief, it affects not only children but also adults. This belief is built on the statement that children eat more candy. However, there are also people with a sweet tooth and this addiction doesn’t rely on age.

Due to the fact that tooth decay can affect everyone, you should be prepared for its development and make everything possible to prevent its occurrence. You should know that this condition can be triggered by many factors. In this article, we will tell you everything you should know about tooth decay.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a condition in which the tooth becomes damaged due to the eternal factors. In the initial stages, it affects only the tooth enamel and doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, you should know that treatment for cavities is much easier if there is no severe damage. Only a dentist can recognize the early signs of tooth decay. That’s’ why regular dental check-ups are essential. 

On the advanced stages, tooth decay affects dentin that is a soft inner layer of the tooth. In this case, people may experience pain and discomfort since tooth decay can reach the nerve endings. If left untreated, cavities can destroy the whole tooth that may lead to its loss. 

Symptoms of tooth decay

The most common symptoms of tooth decay include:

• Tooth discoloration
• A cavity that irritates tongue or cheek
• Painful sensations
• Bad breath

The initial stage of tooth decay is associated with tooth discoloration. If you have noticed white, brown, or grey spots on your teeth, it’s high time to visit a dentist. Another symptom is the development of the cavity. At this stage, you can notice a hole in the tooth. It usually has sharp edges and often injures the tongue or cheek. 

At the later stages, tooth decay can cause severe pain that can even interfere with normal activity. Despite the fact that this pain can be eliminated with the help of OTC painkillers, you shouldn’t think that they can solve the problem. Bad breath is also a common symptom of cavities. It is usually caused by rotting processes in the tooth and food particles that van stuck in the cavity. Over time, they spoil and cause an unpleasant odor.

Common causes

Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria that inhabit your mouth multiply and produce acids. These acids tend to wear the tooth enamel and the weakest spots begin to rot. As we mentioned before, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the development of tooth decay. The most common of them are:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Improper nutrition
• Vitamin deficiency
• Immunity disorders
• Problems with digestion

All these factors contribute to the increase in bacteria number that subsequently leads to tooth decay. 

Treatment options

If the tooth decay didn’t reach the tooth root and the damage is not severe, a regular tooth filling can help you get rid of a cavity. The dentist will remove the rotten area and replace it with the filling. If the damaged tooth can’t be restored, a dentist may recommend installing dental crowns or even dental implants.

You should also know that tooth decay in children is also dangerous and requires treatment. The reality is that the rotting process can damage not only baby teeth but also reach the developing permanent teeth. This means that permanent teeth will erupt already damaged. Moreover, tooth decay in children can lead to malocclusion as the child unconsciously chew with healthy teeth. That’s why regular dental examinations are important at any age.