What is dental decay, how do you know if you have it, and what is the treatment? By learning more about the human body, you can keep yours in the best condition possible. Let’s look at the answers.
What causes cavity formation?
Tooth enamel refers to the outer layer of the tooth. The hard surface can become permanently damaged by tiny holes.
When this occurs, it means that cavities have formed. Cavities are also known as tooth decay, and, if left untreated, they can become larger and extend to the tooth’s deeper layers.
Noticing dental decay symptoms
When a cavity begins to form, it might not be noticeable. After more extensive decay, you will likely experience unpleasant symptoms.
The tooth might be extremely sensitive, or it might suddenly ache. When you drink a hot or cold beverage or bite into something sweet, you might experience mild to sharp pain.
Biting down may cause significant pain. You could also notice pits or visible holes in your tooth.
As well, the surface of the tooth might show stains. These stains can be white, brown, or black in color.
Checking for cavities
The dentist can take dental x-rays of your teeth to locate any cavities and determine the extent of any tooth decay. While examining your teeth, the dental professional may ask about sensitive or painful areas in your mouth.
Always be honest about any pain you’re experiencing to help them make the best decisions for a care plan right for you. As well, the they might use dental instruments to probe your mouth in order to check for the existence of any soft areas.
Noticing dental decay symptoms? Treating the tooth issue
If you visit your dentist for regular dental checkups, they will have a better chance of identifying any cavities. As well, you can reduce the chances of needing extensive treatment later if they can catch any oral issue in its beginning stages.
Sometimes, however, a tooth may have undergone such severe decay, whereby a restoration is no longer an option. In that case, the decayed tooth will need to be removed.
After a tooth has been pulled, your mouth will be left with a gap, and this can allow nearby teeth to shift. One option is to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant. A local professional can provide Brooklyn dental implants following a tooth extraction.
Decreasing your risk
Particular foods and drinks can increase the risk of cavity formation. Any food or beverage that tends to cling to your teeth and, therefore, will not be quickly washed away by your saliva, would be more likely to lead to tooth decay.
The back teeth, such as the molars and premolars, are more difficult to keep clean than the front teeth. In addition to being harder to reach, they contain grooves that can trap food particles.
Not surprisingly, these teeth experience more cavities. If your brushing isn’t up to par or you have bad habits, then your teeth are vulnerable to the first stages of decay.
While many causes of cavities exist, their formation, thankfully, is not inevitable. If your teeth develop decay, your dentist can offer treatment as well as tips to keep future cavities away.