Live Life Team
Dental decay is a condition which happens due to the bacterial infection taking place in the teeth. It has been observed that a human mouth is normally filled up with millions of bacteria which are useful for consumption of eatables. These bacteria can help in breaking down the food particles into smaller sized portions which can be consumed by the body. The acid produced is combined with the saliva and at times, forms a sticky film like substance known as plaque which can be a deadly substance for the gums and teeth. In most of the cases, if proper hygiene is not maintained or attention is not given to the treatment of plaque it can result in destroying the tooth completely and can reach gums. That is the time when the individual sees the symptoms in form of sever ache in the tooth affected. As per the survey conducted, it is most common condition across UK. Most of the adults as well as children in age ranging 8 to 15 years are suffering from tooth decay.
Symptoms
Common symptoms are toothache, tooth sensitivity, discolouring of spots on teeth, bad breath or an unpleasant taste in mouth. It’s recommended that adults in age ranging from 18 and above should go for a dental check up twice a year.
Causes
The major cause is formation of plaque in the mouth which goes on to erode the enamel around teeth and then forms cavities in them. Some of the factors which determine this are the diet which can directly affect the tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene is also among the major factor. Dry mouth, in which people have lower saliva levels are at a greater risk. Smokers can be harming themselves with every puff they take. Consumption of drinks or food whose carbohydrate content is high as well chocolates are basic sources of causing tooth decay among food groups.
Diagnosis
Dentists should be able to diagnose the condition with the pit cavities, smooth surface cavities or root cavities which are major classifications of the damages under the dental decay. In case if tooth decay is in advanced stage and is hard to examine then doctor uses X-Ray for examining the actual damage due to tooth decay.
Treatment
If the cavity is in early stage, the dentist may use gel pastes for treating the decay. Dentist would drill down the decayed tooth and fill the hole with the filling. It needs to be completely removed out to prevent further infection. Root canal is also another way of treating tooth decay. It is a painful treatment but dentist are adopting modern techniques these days which are painless.
Complications
Bleeding of the gums after brushing of the teeth, swelling, and redness of the gums show that the tooth decay is in the prime and extensive stage. Foul smell as well as bad breath is also one of the symptoms of tooth decay. To treat all these symptoms, it’s advisable that patient should use antiseptic mouthwashes as well as antibiotics.
Prevention
Regular brushing of the teeth helps in preventing the tooth decay. Try to avoid consuming food and drinks which are less in carbohydrates content and maintaining good oral hygiene shall go a long way in maintaining a shining set of teeth.
