Tooth Decay: How It Happens and How to Get Rid of It

When decay harms a tooth, it is irreparable. Like anything rotten, it spreads and worsens, damaging surfaces where it touches, and damaging more teeth. If you wish to keep a toothy smile for a very long time, it is best not to wait to get those fillings. If you let time pass without adequately paying attention to it, it might be too late for even the dentist to save it.

How Cavities Come About

Dental cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are permanent damage. If not stopped, it progresses and reaches into the inner part of a tooth.

Cavities form when bacteria inside the mouth feed upon sugar and starch and form acid. Plaque is formed when bacteria, acids, food, and saliva mix. This sticky substance sticks to the teeth; if not eliminated by brushing and flossing, it eats away the enamel. This causes holes, or cavities, to form.

Signs to Watch Out For

People are unaware of cavities forming. This is the reason routine oral checkups are vital. The dentist can see any indication that holes are present. There are ways cavities can make themselves known. Here are some signs that cavities exist.

• Bad breath or a weird taste in the mouth
• Gums bleeding
• Toothaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Soreness or swelling inside the mouth

Management and Treatment

These holes are permanent, meaning teeth do not regenerate. Nevertheless, there are ways to manage cavities or stop them from occurring. You are responsible for daily management, but the dental professional plays an essential part in your oral health. Some might ignore the importance of this, but everyone with teeth ought to go to a dental expert twice a year.

Dental Cleaning or Prophylaxis

This dental clinic procedure is done by utilizing special tools that blast away plaque. Deep cleaning also permits them to reach between the teeth and the gum for the plaque that hides from sight. Also, stains from coffee, wine, or smoking can be eliminated in this process.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride helps restore enamel in a process called remineralization. However, this is only possible when decay is spotted early. Fluoride treatments can be started during early childhood. This treatment can be for your whole family. Why not consider an online search for ‘family dentist Johns Creek’ if you need someone reliable?

Fillings

Dentists drill away the decaying part of the teeth. Decay can cause dark discoloration, and the dentist must get rid of that to stop further damage. After the new holes are thoroughly cleaned and dried, they are filled with materials like amalgam or composite resin. Fillings should be examined regularly to ensure they are doing their job.

Root Canal

For nasty cavities, nerve pain can be a result. If this occurs, the dentist “kills” the nerve ending that causes the pain. The dentist then fills the hole normally. This is a rather painful procedure you must not look forward to, so at the first sign of tooth decay, have it fixed immediately.

Tooth Extractions

If a root canal is no longer possible and the tooth damage is extreme, the dentist might resort to extraction. In case of extreme pain, tooth extractions can be an emergency procedure. Emergency dentistry Atlanta is available to those who need immediate help or you may search online for services near you.

The Takeaway

Healthy oral routines– brushing daily, gargling with mouthwash, and flossing– help combat cavities significantly. To protect oneself from losing teeth to cavities, guarantee oral checkups at least two times a year.