What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the breakdown of a tooth’s structure, caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars and produce acids. These acids create plaque, a sticky film that erodes the tooth’s hard outer layer, enamel. Over time, this can lead to a hole called a cavity, which may cause pain, sensitivity, and eventually infection or tooth loss if left untreated.
The process of tooth decay
- Bacteria and sugar: Bacteria in your mouth, primarily in dental plaque, consume sugars from food and drinks.
- Acid production: As a byproduct, these bacteria create acids.
- Plaque buildup: The bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva mix to form a sticky, colourless film called plaque that coats the teeth
- Enamel erosion: The acids in plaque attack the tooth’s outer layer, the enamel, weakenining it and demineralizing the tooth structure
- Cavity formation: When the enamel is sufficiently weakened, a small hole or cavity forms.
- Deeper damage: If not treated, the decay progresses deeper into the tooth, affecting the dentin and eventually the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are located.
Prevention and treatment
Prevention:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly
- Limit sugary and starchy foods and drinks
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking
- Visit your family dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings
Treatment;
- Fillings: The decayed part of the tooth is removed and the tooth is repaired with a filling material
- Root canal: Needed if the decay reaches the pulp, to treat the infection and save the tooth
- Extraction: The tooth may need to be pulled if it is too damaged to be saved
At the Smile Team, we provide our clients with the best treatment options for them so book a consultation with Dr. Abid Hidayat today. We are open Mondays to Saturdays and speak GUJARATI, HINDI, URDU, TAGALOG and ARABIC. You can reach our family dental care office in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, by calling 416-546-5599.