Understanding Tooth Decay: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment

Oral diseases and particularly cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. This is due to chemical and mechanical erosion of the tooth surface because of bacteria activity on sugary and carbohydrate-based foods. It is quite important to have the required knowledge about the kind of treatment that will be used to treat it as it is a severe tooth decay.

Causes of Tooth Decay

The cavity formation begins with the accumulation of a colourless and sticky material referred to as plaque. Every time that you consume sugary and carbohydrate-laden foods and beverages anaerobic bacteria in the plaque break them down and the process results in the production of acid. These are scientifically proved to dissolve the outer surface of the teeth known as tooth enamel hence resulting in the formation of cavities. Factors such asnot brushing the teeth can lead to the formation of a hard substance referred to as tartar that boosts the occurrence of cavities. A diet that has products containing sugars and acids is likely to lead to increased erosion of the teeth’s enamel and cavities, lack of fluoride and reduction in the flow of saliva.

Consequences of Tooth Decay

If tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to several significant dental problems:

• Cavities: Tooth decay which is also known as caries has the primary symptoms of cavities which are holes on the surface of the teeth that have been created by the destruction of enamel. This can lead to cases such as tooth sensitivity and serious pain brought by cavities.
• Tooth Sensitivity: the effect that the salt has on enamel, as tooth decay advances the enamel peels off revealing the dentin. It may cause patients to have increased awareness of hot, cold or sweet food and beverages.
• Infections: Severe deterioration can become deep within the enamel and dentin to infest the pulp, which is the soft substance within the tooth. This may result in severe pain and may necessitate endodontic treatment also called root canal treatment.
• Tooth Loss: The decay if untreated can even go to an extent where the destruction of the teeth is quite severe, and the result is pulled-out teeth. This may limit the capacity to chew and, may lead to problems with the oral hygiene of a person.

Treatment of Tooth Decay

Restoration of the removal of carious tissue involves treatment of both the affected tooth and adjacent tissues as well as the ending of the process. These include:

• Fillings: For the small to moderate-sized cavities, a part of the tooth which has been infected is removed and then filled with a substance that may include amalgam, composite, or glass ionomer. They also help the tooth regain its function and it does not cave in to further damage.
• Crowns: For more severe decay that can affect the structure of the tooth, a crown may be put in. A crown envelops an entire tooth; it can protect it and return its physique and purpose.
• Root Canals: If decay progresses to the nerves of the tooth an operation that removes the diseased pulp is done, root canal. This is a process whereby diseased pulp is removed, the canal cleaned and the canal is sealed. In response, a crown is often placed afterwards to place a tooth back.
• Preventive Treatments: To avoid such problems in the future, your dentist may prescribe a method of use of fluoride or dental sealant. Fluoride prescriptions assist in the fortification of the enamel surface whereas sealants pigment a barrier on the occlusal surface of the back teeth.

Cavity is a common ailment that affects a large population of people mainly young ones and is a reason for a lot of dental and health complications among people of all ages. Just as understanding the symptoms of tonsillitis is crucial for timely medical intervention, knowledge of the cause and effect helps to avoid the occurrence of cavities and, if they have occurred, also helps to consult a specialist in time. Therefore, taking proper care of your teeth and following a balanced diet while visiting your dentist regularly are some of the ways of ensuring that you have a perfectly healthy mouth that will allow you to have healthy teeth permanently.