Tooth Decay: Causes and Treatments

Tooth decay is a prevalent issue that affects people of all ages. Despite being largely preventable, it remains one of the most common health problems globally. Understanding tooth decay, its causes, and how to treat it is essential for maintaining good oral health.
 

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates, like bread, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.
 

The Main Causes of Tooth Decay

One of the primary causes of tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush your teeth regularly, plaque can build up and produce harmful acids that weaken your enamel. Flossing is also crucial because it removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line, areas where your toothbrush can't reach.
 

Your eating habits play a significant role in the health of your teeth. Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks can provide a constant supply of acid in your mouth. Each time you consume these substances, you give bacteria the fuel they need to produce acid, which attacks your teeth and can lead to decay.
 

Saliva helps wash away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbes that multiply and lead to disease. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can contribute to tooth decay because it reduces saliva production, leaving your mouth undefended against these acids.
 

Fluoride, a mineral that helps prevent cavities and can even reverse the earliest stages of tooth damage, is often not enough in your daily regimen. Not using fluoride toothpaste or not drinking fluoridated water can increase your risk of tooth decay.
 

The Consequences of Ignoring Tooth Decay

Ignoring tooth decay can lead to severe pain and eventually tooth loss. As tooth decay progresses, it can attack the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth, causing a toothache. If left untreated, this can result in the need for a root canal or even the removal of the tooth.
 

Tooth decay can cause infections that spread beyond your teeth and affect your gums, face, and even your bloodstream. Abscesses, which are pockets of pus that form around the tooth, are serious infections that can spread and become life-threatening if not promptly treated.
 

Treatment Options for Tooth Decay

Fillings are the most common treatment for cavities. Once your dentist removes the decayed tooth material, the cavity is filled with a variety of materials such as gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or composite resin.
 

For more extensive decay or weakened teeth, you might need a crown—a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth's entire natural crown. Your dentist will drill away all the decayed area and enough of the rest of the tooth to ensure a good fit. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, resin, or porcelain fused to metal.
 

When decay reaches the inner material of your tooth (pulp), you may need a root canal. This treatment removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. A crown may be necessary to restore the tooth to normal function.
 

In severe cases where a tooth is too damaged to be saved, extraction may be the only option. Removing the decayed tooth can prevent the spread of decay and infection to other teeth.
 

Maintaining Optimal Oral Health

Taking care of your teeth is an investment in your overall health. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can prevent tooth decay and its unpleasant consequences. It's also important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. These visits can help catch tooth decay early when it's easier to treat. Your dentist can also provide additional treatments like sealants and fluoride applications to help protect your teeth.
 

Don't wait for tooth decay to progress, schedule an appointment with our dentist and start on the path to optimal oral health today. Visit Courthouse Art of Dentistry at our office in Arlington, Virginia, or call 571-554-5724 to book an appointment today.