Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth erodes away due to harmful bacteria. The harmful bacteria is a product of sugary food and drinks. When the teeth are then not properly cleaned the bacteria sticks to the teeth and starts to eat away at the top layers of the tooth.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is typically the result of plaque build-up. This happens when a person is either not flossing and brushing or are not doing it properly. The plaque contains acids which eat away at the tooth. The result of this is a black, brown, or dark yellow looking hole or blemish.

How to prevent tooth decay?

Tooth decay is easily prevented by cleaning the teeth twice a day. To clean the teeth properly you will need to floss at least once a day, we recommend doing it in the evening, this will ensure all food particles are dislodged from the crevices of the teeth. When brushing the teeth, brush gently and make sure to brush the face and back of the teeth. Gently brush down the tongue and gums and then spit out the toothpaste, do not rinse as this negate the effects of the fluoride.

Make adjustment to your lifestyle by limiting the number of sugary foods and drinks you have, as well are limiting alcohol intake. If you smoke or vape, you should try to quit as this will also help maintain your oral health.

How to treat tooth decay?

Tooth decay has a few treatments, which align with the severity of the tooths decay:

Early decay: Can be treated using mouthwashes containing fluoride, or in some cases your dentist may paint a layer of fluoride varnish onto the tooth which can then be reapplied at your next check-up.

Decay: When the tooth has a hole in it, the dentist will need to treat the tooth by fitting a filling. This is done by removing the tooth effected by the cavity, and then using a filling material to reconstruct the tooth.

Advanced Decay: Once the decay has penetrated through to the soft tissue (the pulp) the dentist will likely recommend performing a root canal. This requires all of the effected soft tissue to be extracted and the effected tooth to be cleaned up. The dentist will the apply a filling to the tooth to reconstruct it.

How to spot tooth decay/ symptoms?

Tooth decay is quite easy to spot, if you think you have any of the following symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your dentist. When decay is caught in the early stages, it can be reversed.

• Brown, black or dark yellow hole or blemish on the tooth.
• Sudden pain when eating or drinking.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks.
• Sore, bleeding, or swollen gums.