Causes and Treatment of Tooth Decay

Despite the recent innovations in dentistry, dental caries or cavities remain a concern among millions of adults and children. Fortunately, daily brushing and flossing, routine dental check-ups, and healthy eating can help reduce or prevent dental problems and maintain a healthy mouth.

In this article, let’s learn more about tooth decay, who’s at a higher risk of developing it, possible causes, and treatment.

What is Tooth Decay?

While your tooth enamel (the tooth’s outermost layer) is very tough, acids and other factors can weaken and damage it, causing holes or cavities. Research suggests that about 80% of American adults have at least one cavity by the time they get to their mid-30s.

Tooth decay or cavities can happen to anyone, regardless of their age. Children and teenagers are at a greater risk because they need to be more thorough about oral hygiene and tend to snack regularly on sugary foods and drinks. Pregnancy and underlying health conditions like diabetes can also increase the risk of developing tooth decay and other oral problems.

How do Cavities Form?

Cavities happen in stages. Acids and bacteria attack the tooth enamel, dissolving and demineralizing it. You can reverse the damage at this stage with proper oral hygiene and fluoride treatments.

If you don’t treat the damage, the decay goes past the enamel to the dentin (the tooth’s second layer). The dentin is softer and, therefore, decay progresses more quickly.

If not treated promptly, the decay gets to the tooth’s pulp, the innermost structure that houses the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues that keep the tooth alive. Bacteria infect these tissues, leading to unpleasant symptoms like pain and swelling.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Initially, tooth decay doesn’t cause any discomfort or symptoms. However, as the condition develops, you can experience symptoms like:

• Persistent tooth pain
• Teeth pain when chewing or biting down
• Teeth sensitivity to heat, cold, or sugar
• Gum or facial swelling
• Persistent bad breath or taste
• Bleeding, sore, or tender gums
• Redness in the mouth

Visit our dental office for treatment if you have these symptoms. Routine dental check-ups and cleanings can help with early diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay and other oral problems.

What Causes Cavities?

Many factors can cause or increase your risk of developing cavities or tooth decay. These include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up around the teeth and gums, resulting in acidic attacks that erode teeth and cause tooth decay.
• Sugary foods and drinks: The natural bacteria in the mouth feeds on the starches and sugars we eat. High consumption of sugary items encourages bacteria growth, increasing your risk of acidic attacks that lead to tooth decay.
• Acidic food items: Acids from things like lemons and apple cider vinegar can also erode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
• Dental injuries: Teeth chips, cracks, or breaks create a pathway for bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to decay.

Other factors that increase your risk of cavities include:

• Underlying conditions like diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome
• Certain medications like antidepressants
• Pregnancy
• A history of cavities
• Gum disease or receding gums. Contact our periodontist in Edison, NJ, for gum disease treatment.
• Radiation therapy for neck and head cancer
• Snacking on sugary and starchy foods and drinks, especially between meals

How are Cavities Treated?

The suitable treatment for tooth decay depends on the severity of your condition. Possible treatments include:

• Fluoride treatments: When caught early, the enamel can be remineralized or repaired with fluoride treatments. The dentist can also recommend fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste.
• Dental bonding: The dentist can apply a tooth-colored putty material to the tooth to repair enamel erosion and minor tooth damage like chips.
• Dental filling: Once decay passes the enamel, the dentist can repair the tooth. The dentist drills through the tooth and removes the decayed materials. Then, the dentist fills the place with amalgam, gold, porcelain, or composite resin material.
• Dental crowns: If the decay has significantly weakened your teeth’ structure, the dentist can clean and improve the tooth’s shape, size, and strength using a dental crown.
• Root canal: If the tooth’s pulp is infected or decayed, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
• Tooth extractions: Tooth removal may be necessary if dental restorations can’t repair the extreme damage. Later, your oral surgeon can replace the tooth with a dental bridge and implant.

Are you Looking for Tooth Decay Treatment?

For more information about tooth decay and general dentistry, contact KK Dental Edison to speak with our dentist in Edison, NJ.