Looking for decay prevention? Call Preventive Dental today on
020 8874 3877
What is tooth decay?
Dental decay happens when the enamel and dentine of a tooth become softened by acid attack after you have eaten or drunk anything containing sugars. Over time, the acid makes a cavity (hole) in the tooth. ‘Dental decay’ is the same as tooth decay and is also known as ‘dental caries’.
For decay prevention you can see:
Morris Weinstein, Giuseppe Di Filippo, Elizabeth Basset
What causes dental decay?
Tooth decay damages your teeth and leads to fillings or even extractions. Decay happens when sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque. This forms the acids that attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel may break down, forming a hole or ‘cavity’ into the dentine. The tooth can then decay more quickly.
What are the signs of dental decay?
In the early stages of dental decay, there are no symptoms, but your dental team may be able to spot a cavity in its early stages when they examine or x-ray your teeth. This is why you should visit your dental team regularly, as small cavities are much easier to treat than advanced decay.
What happens if I have a cavity?
Once the cavity has reached the dentine your tooth may become sensitive, particularly when you have sweet foods and drinks, and acidic or hot foods. As the decay gets near the dental pulp you may suffer from toothache.
If the toothache is brought on by hot or sweet foods this may last for only a few seconds. As the decay gets closer to the dental pulp the pain may last longer and you may need to take painkillers – paracetamol or ibuprofen – to control the pain. You must visit your dental team straight away as the tooth is dying, and you may develop a dental abscess if it is not treated.
What treatment will I need?
If the decay is not too serious, the dental team will remove all the decay and repair the tooth with a filling. Sometimes the nerve in the middle of the tooth can be damaged. If so, the dentist will need to carry out root canal treatment by removing the nerve and then repairing the tooth with a filling or a crown.
If the tooth is so badly decayed that it cannot be repaired, the dentist may have to take the tooth out.
Is there anything I can do to protect my teeth against decay?
As the adult molars (back teeth) appear, and if the teeth are free from decay, a “pit and fissure sealant” can be used to protect them. The sealant is a plastic coating that fills all the little crevices in the tooth surface, creating a flat surface that is easier to clean.
Adults can also have this treatment if the teeth are free from decay. Your dental team will discuss whether this is right for you. Children can also have fluoride varnishes painted onto their teeth twice a year which will help to reduce the chances of decay.
How can you prevent tooth decay?
The best way to prevent dental decay is by brushing your teeth thoroughly last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure that you brush the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.
Using “interdental” brushes, or dental floss or tape, also helps to remove plaque and food from between your teeth and where they meet the gums. These are areas an ordinary toothbrush can’t reach.
To prevent dental decay, you should also visit your dental team regularly and as often as they recommend!
What should I eat to prevent tooth decay?
Have sugary and acidic food and drinks less often. Choose tooth-friendly foods like cheese, nuts, vegetables and fruits such as apples and pears to help protect your teeth. Tooth decay prevention tips also include avoiding having snacks between meals, to limit the number of times your teeth are under attack from acids.
How to prevent bad breath from tooth decay
Persistent bad breath can often be linked to decay because bacteria trapped in cavities produce unpleasant odours, so strengthening your home hygiene routine is key. Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day, daily flossing and scraping your tongue help remove the bacterial build-up that causes odour, and drinking plenty of water supports saliva flow to naturally cleanse the mouth.
Reducing sugary foods and seeking early dental care for any signs of decay also dramatically reduces the risk of halitosis linked to dental problems.
Can mouthwash prevent tooth decay?
A fluoride-containing mouthwash used at the right time can be a helpful addition to brushing and flossing because the fluoride helps strengthen enamel and makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks. However, it shouldn’t replace brushing and works best as part of a complete daily routine.
Mouthwash is most effective when used between meals or after snacks to rinse away lingering food particles. Choosing an antibacterial or anticavity mouth rinse can also help reduce the bacterial load that contributes to decay.
Can you prevent tooth decay from getting worse?
Yes, by catching decay early and altering your daily habits you can slow or even halt its progression, protecting your teeth from further damage. Consistent brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth daily, cutting back on sugary and acidic foods, and seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings all help halt decay before it deepens.
If decay has already started, professional treatments like fluoride varnish, sealants or fillings can also stop it advancing and preserve your natural tooth structure.
Do you offer tooth decay treatment near me?
At Preventive Dental, we specialise in providing comprehensive care to help prevent and treat tooth decay. Our services include regular check-ups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and fillings to stop decay in its tracks. We are based in Southfields, with a convenient and easy-to-access location, making it simple for you to get the dental care you need when you need it.
Get in touch today to get tooth decay support!
Courtesy of the British Dental Health Foundation – www.dentalhealth.org