Dental or tooth decay is a common oral problem that affects millions worldwide, irrespective of age and gender. It causes a series of ill effects that negatively impact your oral health and appearance. Modern dentistry offers a wide range of diagnostic methods and treatment options to manage tooth decay.
Here is all you must know about tooth decay and how the dentist in Brookline, MA, along with their team, strives to manage and treat it.
Understanding tooth decay
Tooth decay, or dental caries, is defined as the destruction of the tooth structure due to the abnormal and uncontrolled breakdown of the enamel (the outermost hard surface of the tooth) layer.
Causes
Poor or improper oral hygiene leads to increased bacterial accumulation, resulting in the formation of dental plaque (soft sticky film covering the tooth surface). This produces harmful acids, toxins, and by-products that demineralize the enamel, forming tiny holes, pits, or cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, swelling, pulpal infection, and gradual tooth loss.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tooth decay vary depending on the extent of the damage caused. Initial tooth decay exhibits no symptoms except surface discoloration and cavity. However, moderate to severe forms may include any one or more of the following symptoms:
- Constant tooth pain and discomfort
- Pain radiating to the jaw and ears
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary foods
- White or dark spots on the teeth
- Bad breath
- Deep cavity
- Difficulty chewing
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- It increased gingival swelling, redness, and bleeding.
Managing tooth decay
Based on the symptoms and the severity of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend the following treatment options:
- Fluoride Treatment
- This treatment helps treat mild tooth decay, such as pits and fissures. Fluoride helps remineralize the enamel, which can halt tooth decay and prevent further damage.
- Dental Fillings
- The dentist will remove the decayed tissues and restore the tooth by using an appropriate filling material or cement.
- Root Canal Therapy
- Tooth extraction
- Tooth decay beyond repair is mostly extracted and replaced with suitable dentures, bridges, or dental implants.
Tooth decay, a common dental concern, manifests in varying degrees of severity as it progresses through the layers of the tooth. It initiates demineralization of the enamel, leading to erosion of the tooth structure. Symptoms may include pain and discomfort, although they can vary in intensity. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely dental intervention and effective treatment to restore oral health.