What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is caused by a type of bacteria that produces acid which erodes the tooth’s surface (enamel) and it’s under layer known as the dentine. This is can result in the formation of holes called cavities. Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases, yet it can easily be prevented.

How is it caused?
Dental plaque is a film of bacteria that cover the teeth surface. The consumption of foods high in carbohydrates, predominately those high in sugar, result in acid production by the bacteria in plaque. The acid produced causes the erosion of the enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth. Demineralisation of the tooth is where fundamental minerals and ions are removed from the tooth, which causes the hard enamel to become soft. Once holes are formed in the enamel plaque and bacteria can then make its way down to the dentine. A cavity is created from the breakdown of the enamel and dentine. As the dentine is softer it erodes quicker, so the process of tooth decay is sped up. If plaque and bacteria get through the dentine then it could reach the nerve of the tooth, at this stage tooth ache is likely to be experienced.

Treatments
o   If caught early enough you may just need to increase plaque control and alter your diet if it is a high sugar one. As well as that they may apply fluoride paste.
o   When cavities are formed then you may need to have a filling, which involves removing the decay and filling the hole. If the hole is quite deep then a crown may be needed instead.
o   Root canal treatment may be needed if the decay has reached the pulp, where the nerve of the tooth is.
o   Occasionally the decay may not be able to restore and the tooth may have to be removed.

Methods of prevention 
  1. Plaque control- reducing the amount of plaque and thus bacteria in your mouth by brushing twice a day and flossing. Moreover, mouth rinses can be used to also remove plaque.
  2. Dietary control- reducing intake of sugars, foods high in carbohydrates and acidic foods, to prevent the erosion of the enamel. Also, minimalising snacking throughout the will help as after eating your mouth maintains an acidic environment for some time.
  3. Using fluoride- fluoride strengthens the enamel and thus using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses will help. Your dentist could also recommend fluoride supplements and usually apply a fluoride varnish on the teeth.
  4. Regular visits to the dentist- visiting your dentists regularly for checks can ensure that dental caries is prevented or caught early and advice given can help.
Hope you found this insightful. Thanks for reading
Written by Aarti Chopra
Universal Medicine

Sources
https://www.dentalhealth.ie/dentalhealth/causes/dentalcaries.html
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Dental-decay/Pages/Introduction.aspx

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