Tooth Decay

We firmly believe that prevention is better than cure, and we know that long-term dental management feels a whole lot better than treatments. That is why we are passionate about educating our patients on all aspects of dental health, including tooth decay prevention and how to spot it.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is the general name for the damage that is done when the bacteria that occur naturally in the mouth create acid that erodes teeth. This can lead to pain, infection, and even the loss of the tooth.

Every tooth has three layers:

  • The hard enamel on the outside
  • The middle layer of dentin
  • The pulp at the centre of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels
tooth decay

The longer tooth decay is left untreated, the more layers are affected and the worse the damage will be.

What causes tooth decay?

Dry mouth causes 30% of all tooth decay. This is because saliva helps to wash away food debris and reduce plaque, which forms on teeth and gums. Plaque contains the bacteria that feed on sugars from food that remain on teeth. As the bacteria feed, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel over time, causing decay.

How do I know if I have tooth decay?

Unless you visit the dentist for regular six-monthly check-ups, you may not know you have tooth decay until you have a cavity or even an infected tooth. If this happens, you may experience:

  • A toothache
  • Swelling in your gums near a painful tooth
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • White, grey, brown, or black spots on your teeth

How is it treated?

Regular check-ups help detect decay before a cavity forms and fluoride treatments may be sufficient. However, if the decay has eaten through the enamel, you may need:

  • A filling, when the dentist will fill the hole and restore the tooth to its original shape.
  • A crown if the decay has been left longer and you need a replacement for part of a tooth.
  • Root canal therapy if the pulp of the tooth becomes infected.
  • Extraction if the root of the tooth is severely damaged. The tooth may need to be removed and replaced with a bridge or an implant.

How to prevent tooth decay

We want to help you prevent tooth decay before it starts. Here’s how:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss twice a day.
  • Avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar, especially soft drinks, sweet cereal, desserts, and sticky foods.
  • Don’t snack before bedtime. Food left on the teeth overnight is more likely to cause cavities.
  • See us for regular check-ups so that any early problems can be treated before major, expensive treatments are needed.

However, if you do get a toothache, don’t delay and visit us.

Mouth Rehabilitation

Mouth Rehabilitation

orthodontics

Orthodontics

cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

dental veneers

Dental Veneers