Medical

How to Access Tooth Decay Risk

Keywords: Tooth, Decay 

Author- Dr. Saumya Lal 

Some things are under your control, while others are beyond your power. Practicing excellent dental hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary meals and alcohol, and avoiding tobacco products are all things you can manage. Respiratory diseases that dry out your mouth, such as asthma, consuming sugar-containing medications, and, of course, ageing are all factors you can’t control. When a kid is put to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or formula, they are at risk of developing baby bottle teeth decay. Sugar nourishes the germs that cause tooth decay in these drinks. The minerals in new teeth are unstable, making it simpler for acids to eat away at the enamel of young children’s teeth.

The enamel of a tooth is harmed by dental decay. This can happen when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack the surface of your teeth. These bacteria soften the enamel and dentin of the tooth, generating cavities, which are microscopic holes in the tooth. If left untreated, this can lead to infection and tooth loss.

Early tooth decay has few symptoms, but as it continues, it can produce toothaches as well as sensitivity to sweets, food temperature, and liquid intake. If the tooth becomes infected, an abscess (a pus-filled pocket) might develop. This abscess produces pain, fever, and swelling in the face.

Tooth decay is caused by a mix of microorganisms and the foods and beverages you ingest. Plaque, a transparent sticky material, is constantly developing on your teeth. Plaque is made up of bacteria that feed on the carbohydrates in the food and beverages you consume. The bacteria produce an acid that destroys the enamel of the tooth, causing it to lose minerals. Drinking a carbonated beverage, for example, exposes your teeth to acid on a regular basis, causing a mineral loss in the enamel. Sugary foods and drinks should be taken with other meals so that the acids can be washed away by the healthier nutrients. Foods that adhere to your teeth, like toffee, might raise your risk of dental decay.

Some things are under your control, while others are beyond your power. Practicing excellent dental hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary meals and alcohol, and avoiding tobacco products are all things you can manage. Respiratory diseases that dry out your mouth, such as asthma, consuming sugar-containing medications, and, of course, ageing are all factors you can’t control. When a kid is put to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or formula, they are at risk of developing baby bottle teeth decay. Sugar nourishes the germs that cause tooth decay in these drinks. The minerals in new teeth are unstable, making it simpler for acids to eat away at the enamel of young children’s teeth.

Gum recession in older individuals can allow decay-causing bacteria to create root cavities.

Stages

Tooth Decay does not start overnight; germs and acid build up over time and eat away at the surface.

Plaque creation is the first stage.

Stage 2: Enamel degradation and acid production

Stage 3: Destruction progresses toward the tooth’s core.

Stage 4: The infection has progressed to the pulp of the tooth, posing a significant health risk.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Symptoms differ depending on the severity of your decay.

• Continuous discomfort and toothache, as well as acute pain bursts, are common symptoms.
• When drinking, eating hot, cold, or sweet meals, there is tenderness or discomfort.
• Breath problems
• Spots of colour on the tooth surface (typically grey, black, or brown).
• You have a bad taste in your mouth that will not go away.
• Teeth with visible holes

The type of symptoms you get is also determined by the tooth’s placement. Symptoms might go unnoticed for a long time if they are near the rear of your mouth. Also keep in mind that the pulp of your tooth, the soft center that houses the numerous nerves and blood arteries, generally does not get infected until it becomes inflamed. However, it is frequently too late to preserve the tooth when this occurs. That is why, even if there are no symptoms, preventative steps and frequent check-ups are critical.

FACTORS INCREASING RISK OF TOOTH DECAY

• Dental hygiene is very important.

Sugar and starch are turned into acid by bacteria in your mouth, which causes tooth decay. Your enamel is then attacked by the acid. This wears down the enamel over time, exposing the inner layer of dentin and, eventually, the pulp. The root of the tooth will be attacked as the decay progresses, and blood flow will cease. The tooth is considered to be dead if the nerve is dead, yet a root canal and a crown can still be placed.

Brushing and flossing at least twice a day might help to decrease acidity in your mouth. Snacking should also be avoided because it raises acidity. Of course, going to the dentist on a regular basis will help to eliminate plaque build-up from your teeth.

• Diet

It is critical that you think about your nutrition. Snacking less will assist to maintain your teeth healthy by lowering the acidity in your mouth. You must, however, consider the food you consume. Acidic foods, such as those heavy in carbs or sweets, are more harmful to your teeth.

To avoid this, eat a well-balanced diet.

• Smoking 

It should come as no surprise that smoking is detrimental to your dental health. Cigarette smoke leaves a sticky coating on your teeth, making it easier for germs to adhere to them and produce the acid that causes tooth decay.

• MEDICAL CONDITION

You’re more prone to get tooth decay if you have diabetes or Sjogren’s illness. You will have a dry mouth as a result of this. Saliva is necessary for washing out bacteria; but, if your mouth is dry, you won’t be able to do so efficiently. This problem is exacerbated if you have diabetes since your immune system is likely to be compromised. It’s also worth mentioning that, because you’re continuously inhaling through your mouth, respiratory diseases can cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of several medicines. If you have a dry mouth, you can buy a saliva replacement or eat sugar-free chewing gum to help increase saliva flow.

• Brushing incorrectly

Brushing your teeth twice a day is necessary, but only if you do it correctly! Gum recession can be caused by brushing too aggressively. This might then reveal the cementum, which is the tooth substance beneath the gum line. This is a considerably softer substance than enamel. You can brush this away over time, leaving your dentin exposed and allowing tooth decay to begin.

• Monitoring

It is possible to get your saliva analyzed to determine whether or not it is acidic. If a problem is identified, you can alter your diet and use specific rinses to keep your tongue at the proper pH level.

Seeing your dentist is also crucial because they may utilize advanced x-ray technology to identify deterioration before it becomes evident to the naked eye! This might even stop the cavity from developing!

The most essential thing to keep in mind is that tooth decay can strike anyone at any time, but it does not have to. Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene can help you keep your teeth for the rest of your life!

For any Query 

Mail us at info@edumound.com