How can decay be prevented

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How Are Cavities Formed? Plaque attacks Plaque produces acids that eat away and remove the minerals in tooth enamel, the hard protective layer of teeth. Decay continues If left untreated, the bacteria and acid will continue to cause tooth decay deeper into the structure of teeth. A few things that put you at higher risk for tooth decay: Smoking, or breathing secondhand smoke Having diabetes Eating high carbohydrate or sugary foods that feed the bacteria in your mouth.

Lack of brushing or flossing teeth on a regular basis Not seeing a dentist for regular screenings and checkups. Having dry mouth, or not enough saliva. As the decay worsens, you may have the following symptoms and signs: Tooth sensitivityToothachePain when biting downPain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or coldVisible holes or pits in teethBrown, black, or white stains on tooth surface 7 Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay Dental professionals recommend these tactics for preventing tooth decay: Brush your teeth after eating with fluoride toothpaste.

Ideally, it's best to brush after every meal, no less than twice a day. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride is highly recommended. Mayo Clinic also recommends using an interdental cleaner or floss to clean between teeth. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. You probably know that a dental cavity is a hole in a tooth. But did you know that a cavity is the result of the tooth decay process that happens over time?

Did you know that you can interrupt and even reverse this process to avoid a cavity? This web page explains how the tooth decay process starts and how it can be stopped or even reversed to keep your child from getting cavities. Our mouths are full of bacteria. Hundreds of different types live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other places in our mouths. Some bacteria are helpful. But some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process.

Tooth decay is the result of an infection with certain types of bacteria that use sugars in food to make acids. Over time, these acids can make a cavity in the tooth. On one team are dental plaque—sticky, colorless film of bacteria—plus foods and drinks that contain sugar or starch such as milk, bread, cookies, candy, soda, juice, and many others. Whenever we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starch, the bacteria use them to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth's hard outer surface, or enamel.

On the other team are the minerals in our saliva such as calcium and phosphate plus fluoride from toothpaste, water, and other sources. This team helps enamel repair itself by replacing minerals lost during an "acid attack. Our teeth go through this natural process of losing minerals and regaining minerals all day long.

If the tooth decay is not stopped at the dentin layer, the disease organisms can enter the pulp chamber where they will multiply quickly, producing an acute inflammation and, if unchecked, spread through the blood vessels to other parts of the body. Osteomyelitis , an infection of the membrane covering the skeletal bones, and endocarditis an extremely dangerous heart ailment, are among diseases in other parts of the body that can begin with untreated tooth decay.

Periodontal disease , described below, is another possible complication of tooth decay. The portion of a tooth invaded by decay is called a cavity : it may be compared to an ulcer that develops because of disease in soft tissues such as the skin or stomach, The objective of the dentist in treating the decay process dental caries is to prevent further destruction of the tooth tissue and to restore as much as possible the original shape and function of the diseased tooth.

The procedure used depends upon many factors, including the surfaces affected enamel, dentin, etc. The cavity is removed with various kinds of carbide burs and other drill tips as well as by the use of hand instruments. The dentist tries to remove all traces of diseased enamel or dentin, but no more of the tooth material than is necessary.

A local anesthetic may be injected for the comfort of the patient; the dentist usually asks the patient if he prefers to have the anesthetic before work commences. The cleaned cavity generally is filled in a layering procedure. The layers of liners and bases used before the insertion of the filling are determined by such factors as the depth of the cavity.

If the pulp is exposed, for example, special materials may be applied to help the pulp recover from the irritation of the procedure and to form a firm base for the amalgam, inlay, or other restorative substance that becomes the filling. Submit Rating. Submit Feedback. Follow the leading source for trustworthy and timely oral health and medical news and information.

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March 1, Last updated: December 29, In this article hide. Bacterial Acids and Plaque. What are The Causes of Tooth Decay? Complications of Tooth Decay.