What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is damage to the tooth caused by acids that remove minerals from the enamel. Bacteria in dental plaque can produce these acids when they metabolize sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates.
In the early stages, the enamel may simply be weakened. As decay progresses, it can eventually create a cavity, or hole, in the tooth. Once the tooth structure has actually broken down and formed a cavity, it generally needs dental treatment to repair the damage.
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay develops when teeth are repeatedly exposed to acids that cause mineral loss. A major source of that acid is bacteria in dental plaque. When those bacteria are exposed to sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates, they produce acids that can damage the teeth.
How frequently you're eating or drinking these carbohydrates matters because repeated exposures create repeated acid attacks. Other acidic exposures, including certain beverages, can also contribute to erosion of tooth structure. Acid reflux can cause dental erosion as well, although erosion and bacterial tooth decay are different processes.
What are the early signs of tooth decay?
Early tooth decay often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms. As decay progresses, some people may experience sensitivity to cold, sweets, or other triggers.
If you're experiencing new sensitivity, come on in. There are several possible causes of sensitive teeth, so we need to find out what's going on and determine the appropriate treatment.
What complications can tooth decay cause?
Tooth decay can create a lot of different complications. Pain is one thing people may notice, but decay can also weaken the tooth structure and make the tooth more likely to chip or break.
As decay progresses deeper into the tooth, it can eventually affect the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. That can lead to significant pain, infection, and the need for more involved treatment. The specific complications depend on where the decay is located and how far it has progressed.
Can tooth decay be reversed?
Very early tooth decay may sometimes be stopped or remineralized before an actual cavity forms. To do that successfully, we need to change the environment around the tooth.
Saliva naturally contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that are involved in remineralization. Fluoride can also help strengthen weakened enamel and make it more resistant to acid. Good oral hygiene, appropriate fluoride exposure, and reducing the frequency of sugary or acidic foods and drinks can all help support this process.
Once the enamel has broken down enough to create an actual cavity, however, the missing tooth structure doesn't simply grow back. At that point, restorative treatment may be needed.
What treatments do you offer for tooth decay?
Our office offers a wide range of treatments for tooth decay depending on how extensive it is. If we identify very early demineralization before a cavity has formed, we may recommend preventive measures designed to help remineralize and protect the enamel.
If decay has progressed and created a cavity, a filling may be appropriate. Larger areas of damage may require a more extensive restoration, such as a crown. If decay reaches and significantly affects the pulp inside the tooth, root canal treatment may sometimes be needed.
The goal is to identify the problem as early as possible so we can use the most conservative appropriate treatment.
Is tooth decay always painful?
Tooth decay isn't always painful. Sensitivity can occur with decay, but it's not always present, particularly in the early stages.
So I wouldn't rely on pain to tell you whether there's a problem. Regular dental examinations can help us find decay before it becomes large enough to cause symptoms or require more involved treatment.
How often should you see your dentist about tooth decay?
Many patients have dental checkups about every six months, but the appropriate interval depends on your individual oral health and risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Some patients may benefit from being seen more frequently, while others may have a different recommended schedule.
Once we evaluate your oral health, we can recommend an interval that's appropriate for you.
Is tooth decay preventable?
Many cavities can be prevented. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth regularly, keeping up with dental visits, and limiting frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks can all help lower your risk.
Tooth decay isn't caused by habits alone. Genetics, saliva flow and composition, tooth anatomy, fluoride exposure, diet, medications, certain medical conditions, and other factors can also influence a person's risk. That's why some people are naturally at higher risk than others even when they're working hard to take care of their teeth.
Can diet soda still damage teeth?
Diet soda doesn't contain the same sugar as regular soda, so it doesn't feed cavity-causing bacteria in the same way. However, many diet sodas are acidic and can contribute to dental erosion, which is the chemical wearing away of tooth structure.
Regular soda can present both concerns because it may contain fermentable sugar and acids. Frequently sipping acidic or sugary drinks throughout the day increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to those conditions.
What happens if you ignore tooth decay?
Ignoring tooth decay is kind of like ignoring an oil leak in your car. A small problem can become much larger over time.
As decay progresses, the tooth can become weaker and may eventually break. If the decay reaches the pulp, you can develop significant pain or infection and may need treatment such as a root canal or extraction, depending on the condition of the tooth.
Decay can also interfere with eating, sleeping, and your daily routine once symptoms become more significant. That's why we want to identify and treat problems before they reach that point.
Your dental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for expert dental care near Farmington, MO, call (573) 637-4404 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.