- Bacteria Cariogenic (caries-causing) bacteria in the mouth produce acids by consuming foods containing sugar and carbohydrates. These acids weaken the tooth enamel and cause decay.
- Sugar and carbohydrates: Foods that encourage bacteria to produce acids contain sugar and carbohydrates. Therefore, excess consumption of sugary and starchy foods can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Inadequate Dental Hygiene: Failure to clean teeth regularly and neglecting brushing and flossing can cause bacterial plaque to accumulate in the mouth and cause tooth decay.
- Diet and Eating Habits: An unbalanced or poor diet can have a negative impact on the health of the teeth. Inadequate intake of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals can lead to weakened tooth enamel.
- Fluoride Deficiency: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and protects against acid attacks. Fluoride deficiency can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic factors can have an impact on a person's dental health. Some people may be genetically predisposed to more tooth decay.
What should be done to prevent tooth decay?
You can take the following measures to prevent tooth decay:- Regular Tooth Brushing:
- Flossing:
- Toothpaste Containing Fluoride:
- Regular Dental Checkups:
- Healthy Eating Habits:
- Dental Health Products:
- Preventing Dry Mouth:
- Dental Preventive Treatments:
How Does Tooth Decay Occur?
Symptoms of tooth decay include: Pain or sensitivity: pain or sensitivity is felt in the tooth when hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks are consumed.- Color changes: the appearance of white, brown, or black spots on the tooth.
- Pits or cavities on the tooth surface.
- Weakening or fracture of the tooth: as decay progresses, the tooth's enamel layer may weaken, and teeth may break or crack.
How to recognize tooth decay?
The following steps are followed for the diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay: Diagnosis: Visual Examination: Your dentist can visually examine the tooth decay by looking into your mouth during the examination. He/she will have information about the color, size and location of the decay. X-rays: X-rays can be taken to determine whether tooth decay has spread to deeper tissues or to determine the extent of decay inside the tooth. This is important for detecting hidden decay. Anamnesis: Your dentist can gather more information by listening to your symptoms, such as toothache or sensitivity.
Treatment:
- Filling: Small to medium-sized cavities are treated with a filling to remove the decay and fill the cavity. The filling material is usually composite resin or amalgam.
- Root Canal Treatment: Root canal treatment may be required when the pulp (nerve and vascular tissue) of the tooth is reached or if there is a severe infection. In this procedure, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and filled.
- Dental Veneers: When tooth decay has affected a large part of the tooth or the tooth has become weak, a dental crown may be required. These procedures restore the appearance and function of the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: If the condition of your tooth is too advanced or too bad to be saved, the dentist may extract the tooth.
- Professional Cleaning: Your dentist will recommend regular professional dental cleanings to reduce the risk of cavities and maintain your dental health.
