According to a study made a few years ago, 80 percent of Moldovans suffer from tooth decay. This number is constantly growing. Tooth enamel is destroyed under the action of acids formed by bacteria, and as a result, a void is formed. Once it passes the enamel, caries “move” inwards causing inflammation of the pulp and then infection of the entire tooth (in this case endodontic treatment is already needed). Here’s everything you need to know about tooth decay:
Causes of tooth decay
Before you get to the treatment of dental caries, you need to know what are the factors that generate them.- Improper oral hygiene
- Unhealthy eating
- Harmful habits
- Lack of saliva
Symptoms of tooth decay
- At the initial stage, caries will show no symptoms. You may notice changes in your teeth when the affected tooth enamel. But even these will be insignificant. And that’s because the enamel does not contain blood vessels or nerves, which can cause painful reactions.
- When caries passes the enamel and reaches nerve endings, moderate pain reactions and an increase in the sensitivity of the teeth to cold, hot, sweet, or acid may occur. In addition to pain, food debris will accumulate in the cavity formed by tooth decay, and because of this, you will have bad breath.
- You will feel the peak of the pain when caries reaches the dental pulp, causing pain, sometimes unbearable.
Treatment of dental caries
As soon as you feel discomfort, you should go to the dentist. Initially, caries will look like a small, whitish or brown spot that can be examined under a light source, using the mirror and the dental probe. Some doctors recommend dental x-rays. It happens when caries is small and difficult to detect. Once he has a complete picture of the infected tooth, the dentist will proceed with the treatment. It will be spotless the cavity formed by caries, and then it will fill the tooth. Remember, caries treated in time:- will keep the tooth and its structure almost intact,
- will prevent future tooth damage,
- will prevent further complications,
- will restore the tooth both medically and aesthetically.
Myths about tooth decay
- Baby teeth cannot have dental caries
- Aspirin is the main aid in relieving toothache
- Caries cannot appear on the sealed tooth