Tooth Decay
Tooth decay also known as cavities are damaged areas that occur on the hard surface of the tooth.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay also known as cavities are damaged areas that occur on the hard surface of the tooth.
Tooth decay also known as cavities are damaged areas that occur on the hard surface of the tooth.
These damaged areas can eventually form into holes or tiny openings. There can be various reasons as to why someone experiences tooth decay, such as smoking, improper cleaning, bacteria in the mouth and sugary drinks. Cavities are very common and need to be treated immediately to prevent them from getting deeper. Leaving cavities untreated can lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss.
Causes
Consuming food and drinks high in sugar causes the bacteria in our mouth to feed on that sugar to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky slime-like bacterial substance that coats our teeth and makes it difficult to clean that area. Plaque is made up of acids that begin to remove minerals from the outer enamel in your teeth. After a substantial amount of erosion of the outer layer of the enamel the bacteria continues to erode through all the layers of the tooth until it reaches the nerve of the tooth. This is when sensitivity and pain arises because the pulp becomes swollen and irritated from the bacteria.
Symptoms
When the decay is in its initial stages it is possible that you may not have any symptoms at all. However, once the decay starts getting bigger symptoms may arise such as:
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Toothache.
- Mild to sharp pain when drinking or eating something hot, cold or sweet.
- Visible hole in your teeth.
- Staining on the surface of your teeth.
- Pain when biting.
Treatment
The sooner a teeth cavity is addressed the more effective the treatment will be. If you suspect you have a tooth cavity it is best to get it checked immediately. Some possible treatments of the cavity include:
- Fluoride treatment.
- Removing the decay and filling the hoel with a filling.
- Removing a portion of the tooth and placing a crown on top.
- If the infection has reached the pulp, then a root canal can be performed to save the tooth.
- In extreme cases you may have to extract the tooth if the decay is too deep.
- If left untreated the decay can turn into a gum infection also known as gingivitis.
Preventing tooth decay
In order to prevent cavities it is important to practice good oral health and eat a healthy balanced. diets especially foods high in calcium, fluoride and phosphate. Other helpful tips to avoid decays are:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily.
- Flossing at least three times a week.
- Visiting your dentist every 6-12 months.
- Minimising sugar intake.
- Choosing water over fizzy drinks.
Broken Tooth
Bruxism
Bruxism is characterised by the clenching/grinding of the teeth due to repetitive jaw-muscle activity
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A broken tooth that doesn’t necessarily look broken.
Crowded Teeth
Dead Tooth
It may surprise you, but teeth do actually have living tissues.
Dental Anxiety
Dental Erosion
Dental erosion can be defined as the irreversible loss of tooth enamel caused by acids without involving bacteria.
Dry Socket
Dry socket also known as Alveolar Osteitis, is a common complication associated with tooth extractions.
Failing Old Silver Filling
Older filling also known as amalgam filling, have been used over years and are still being used today.
Gingivitis
In simpler terms, it is an inflammatory disease of the gingiva.
Gum Disease
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the tissues around the teeth start to recede/pull back.
Halitosis
Halitosis is an unpleasant odour emitted from the mouth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are located at the back of the mouth
Missing Teeth
Sensitive Teeth
A common dental condition that involves discomfort and pain when exposed to certain foods and temperatures.
Snoring
A partially obstructed airway during sleep causes parts of the throat or nose to vibrate as the air passes through a narrowed airway.
TMJ Dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions are a group of disorders affecting the masticatory system.
Tooth Brush Abrasion
Tooth brush abrasion is the most common cause of dental abrasion.
Tooth Decay
Toothache
Toothache, or dental pain, is the most frequent oral pathology
Yellow / Discoloured Teeth
Tooth discoloration/yellow tooth is an abnormal colour of the tooth, is one of the common dental conditions for any age grouped people.
What People Are Saying