Tooth decay is a common yet serious condition that can lead to many complications for your teeth, gums, and overall health. Thankfully, there are many ways to treat tooth decay and stop it from progressing to its more dangerous advanced stages. Keep reading to learn more about tooth decay and its symptoms and learn some tooth decay tips from our expert team.
Tooth decay is a form of dental disease that can damage the surface and internal structures of your teeth. It is caused by oral bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat. This causes them to secrete acids that break down the enamel and other structures of your teeth. The soft, sticky craters this process leaves behind are known as dental cavities.
Tooth decay can show up in three places:
Some common signs of tooth decay include:
Note that these problems may be caused by other dental issues as well. Always see a dentist when you experience any symptoms of dental disease.
Tooth decay is usually diagnosed during routine dental exams. You may also visit your dentist for an emergency appointment if you have a severe toothache that may be caused by advanced decay.
During your appointment, your dentist will ask you about any symptoms you have experienced and how long they have been going on. They will also examine your teeth and apply a metal probe to any suspicious spots to see if the probe sticks. If it does, decay is likely present in this area.
In most cases, your dentist will also x-ray your teeth. This will help them see inside your teeth, allowing them to determine the extent of the damage and discover any hidden decay.
There are several different ways to treat tooth decay. Depending on your needs, your dentist might recommend:
Early tooth decay can sometimes be reversed, but only with very good care. You will need to keep the area with the decay extremely clean and apply additional fluoride to help your tooth rebuild its enamel.
If you have early decay that you want to try to reverse, ask your dentist for guidance. They can offer tips on how best to do it and apply high-strength fluoride treatments to help you achieve this goal.
Not all cavities can be treated this way, and the treatment is not always successful when attempted. Once decay has broken through to the dentin, it cannot be reversed. Act quickly to give yourself the best possible chance of healing your early decay.
Tooth decay can lead to many unpleasant complications if it is not treated, including:
You should always see your dentist if you notice any symptoms of tooth decay. Your symptoms may well pass quickly or be attributed to other problems, but it is best to investigate the matter to be sure. The sooner you get treatment for any cavities you may have, the more tooth structure you will be able to preserve.
Tooth decay can strike anyone at any time, but regular care from good dentists can keep it at bay. If you are worried about tooth decay, visit Trillium Smile Dentistry – the best dental clinic in Mississauga for dental health and cosmetic enhancements. Whether you need treatment for existing tooth decay or want to learn more about tooth decay prevention, our team will give you the care and knowledge you need to keep your teeth healthy. Contact us at 905-828-9894 or book an appointment online today.
Children require regular dental care as much as any other type of healthcare, even when they are very young. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that all children visit a dentist before their first birthday and receive regular dental checkups every six months afterwards.
However, finding a family dentist in Mississauga is not always an easy task. You must choose a dentist that is able to provide reliable, convenient care for both the children and adults in your family. This guide will identify what to look for at a family dentist and offer tips to find the right one for you.