What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is basically a decayed part of the tooth. Normally, the tooth is a very hard structure. When it is decayed, that part becomes soft. It's not normal for you to have a soft tooth.
What causes dental decay?
Dental decay is caused by acidity in the mouth. If food sits longer than it should, it oxidizes and becomes more acidic. That acidity can penetrate the tooth, weaken it, and allow decay to start and flourish.
What are the signs of tooth decay?
There are a lot of signs. Some can only be seen on dental X-rays because the patient doesn't feel anything. When we take an X-ray, we may see that the enamel has been eaten away by decay. Some cases are very painful. If you're sensitive to temperature, it might be because you have tooth decay.
Even if you look in the mirror and the tooth seems completely intact, there might be decay between the teeth that you can't see with the naked eye, and you would need an X-ray for that. Sensitivity to temperature or sweets can be a sign, but usually that happens when the decay is already a little deep. If you have pain, then the decay may have reached the nerve, and you may need more serious treatment than just a filling.
What are the effects of tooth decay?
The effects are similar to what we just discussed. You may have pain, or you may not be able to eat anything cold, hot, or sweet without discomfort. It can also look unattractive, especially if it's in the front. Tooth decay can lead to a root canal, a lot of pain, broken teeth, discomfort, and bad smells. Sometimes the decay is full of bacteria that produce odor. Overall, it can be very unpleasant.
Can tooth decay return to normal? Can the tooth fix itself?
No, a tooth cannot fix itself. If you have decay, there is no remedy that will restore the missing tooth structure the way a dentist can. Even if it stops hurting, the tooth is not restored. If part of the tooth is broken down or missing, the only way to fix it is to go to the dentist, have the decay cleaned out, and have the missing part replaced.
At what point is tooth decay irreversible, meaning it cannot be remedied?
Sometimes decay is ignored for so long that it goes through the entire tooth and into the root. At that point, there may be no way to fix it anymore, and the tooth needs to be extracted.
What are some treatments for tooth decay?
It depends on the extent of the tooth decay. You might just need a small filling. You might need an inlay or onlay, which is a laboratory-made filling created outside your mouth and then placed in. The decay needs to be cleaned first. You may need a dental crown, or a root canal followed by a crown. In some cases, you may lose the tooth altogether and need to replace it with an implant.
How do I stop tooth decay from spreading?
First, you need to fix the tooth that is already decayed. Then you can help stop further decay by keeping your mouth clean, going to the hygienist regularly, getting checkups regularly, and doing your work at home by brushing and flossing your teeth.
Is tooth decay painful?
It can be. A lot of the time, tooth decay is very uncomfortable, so yes, it can be painful.
When should I see the dentist about tooth decay?
There's no time like the present. If you have a dentist, go see them and let them check. If you think or suspect that you have tooth decay, then see your dentist and have it checked and fixed.
If you’re searching for quality dental care, we’re here to help. Call (929) 238-9944 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is committed to keeping your smile healthy.