Maintaining a bright, healthy smile enhances your appearance and helps you avoid the pain and expense of dental decay.
What is dental decay?
Dental decay means damage to a tooth’s enamel (its protective outer covering, which gives your smile its sparkle). Damaged enamel paves the way for a hole (cavity) to develop in your tooth, causing:
- Toothache
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks
- Pain when you bite into something
- Red and swollen gums near the affected tooth.
What causes dental decay?
Dental decay happens when plaque forms on your teeth and isn’t removed regularly.
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria (germs) from your saliva. When food or drink enters your mouth, the bacteria in your saliva turn these food sugars into acid, which can slowly damage your teeth. Eventually, this creates a hole (cavity) in your tooth.
Factors contributing to dental decay include:
- Poor oral hygiene: Infrequent brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up on your teeth.
- A diet high in sugars and carbohydrates: Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and drinks provides more fuel for bacteria.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps neutralise acids – reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of decay.
- Misaligned teeth: Gaps and misalignments can create areas that are difficult to clean effectively, allowing plaque to build up.
Despite everything we know about how to prevent dental decay, it’s still all too common. In Australia:
- 1 in 3 adults over 15 has untreated tooth decay
- 1 in 3 children has decay in their baby teeth before age 5.
Dental decay stages
Dental decay happens in 4 recognised stages:
- Initial stage: Demineralisation of enamel appears as white spots on the teeth.
- Enamel decay: The enamel breaks down, creating visible cavities.
- Dentin decay: Decay progresses to the dentin layer, causing sensitivity and pain.
- Pulp decay: The infection reaches the pulp, leading to severe pain and potential tooth loss.
Preventive tips: strategies to protect your teeth
Preventing dental decay involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices, dietary choices and regular dental check-ups. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Maintain proper oral hygiene
- Use toothpaste to brush your teeth for at least two minutes each morning and night.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
2. Monitor your diet
- Limit sugary foods and drinks that feed harmful bacteria.
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to support overall health.
- Drink plenty of water as this helps wash away food particles and maintains saliva flow, which protects against decay.
3. Regular dental check-ups
- Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and early detection of any issues.
- Your dentist may:
- Recommend remineralising treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent decay
- Use imaging such as Diagnocam to identify areas of early demineralisation and decay
4. Avoid tobacco products
Smoking and using other tobacco products can increase the risk of dental decay and other oral health issues. Quitting tobacco is a significant step toward a healthier smile.
Can dental decay be reversed?
Yes, it may be possible to reverse dental decay in its early stages. It involves closer attention to your oral hygiene routine, dietary changes and certain treatments.
1. Remineralisation products
Products containing calcium and phosphate can aid in repairing enamel. Using these products as part of your oral care routine can help restore tooth structure before significant damage occurs.
2. Improved oral hygiene
Enhancing your daily oral hygiene practices can halt the progression of decay. Consistent brushing, flossing, and using interdental brushes can reduce bacterial levels and promote a healthier oral environment.
3. Dietary changes
Reducing sugar intake and increasing the consumption of foods rich in vitamins and minerals can support the natural repair processes of your teeth.
Treating dental decay
Treating a cavity depends on how deep it is. Your dentist may recommend:
- Fillings for smaller cavities
- A root canal to treat damaged pulp
- A crown if a cavity affects a larger part of your tooth
- Extracting (removing) a tooth if the decay has caused too much damage.
How can we help?
At Dent8 Dental, we are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and care needed to achieve optimal oral health.
During your regular dental check-up, we examine your teeth for any signs of tooth decay and advise you on how to brush and floss properly.
We’d also encourage you to book an appointment if you have any sensitivity, pain or discolouration in your teeth.
Please book an appointment today.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
References
- Medline Plus, Tooth decay, https://medlineplus.gov/toothdecay.html, [Accessed 22 November 2024]
- Healthdirect, Tooth decay, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tooth-decay, [Accessed 22 November 2024]
- Healthline, Can you reverse a cavity? https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-reverse-a-cavity#reversing-cavities, [Accessed 22 November 2024]
