How To Stop Tooth Decay

Despite affecting around eight in ten adults in the UK, tooth decay is often left untreated by those suffering from it. In fact, dental treatments across the board are on a steady decline as more and more people are neglecting their oral health. However, if left untreated, dental conditions like tooth decay can quickly lead to tooth loss, gum disease and tooth abscesses. That’s why, in this article, we’ll use our expertise as a leading dental clinic in Milton Keynes to explain how to stop tooth decay before it causes significant harm to your health.

How To Stop Tooth Decay And Avoid A Cavity

There are many reasons treatment rates for tooth decay are so low, from non-noticeable symptoms in the early stages to a general lack of understanding. The World Health Organisation estimates two billion people suffer from tooth decay and cavities worldwide, with many of these cases being in the early stages and able to be reversed. So, keep reading to learn the early signs of tooth decay and the preventative measures you can take to stop its development.

• What Is Tooth Decay?
• Stages Of Tooth Decay
• What Does Tooth Decay Look Like?
• What Causes Tooth Decay?
• Tooth Decay Treatments
• Preventing Tooth Decay

What Is Tooth Decay?

Over time, your teeth are worn down by certain types of food that stick to their surface. The longer these foods are left on the teeth, the more acidic your mouth becomes, and cavities may begin to form. This process is called tooth decay. Typically, foods high in sugars and carbohydrates cause the most issues for your teeth, including sweets, fruits, bread, or even milk. The most common symptoms of tooth decay are:

• Sudden tooth pain, particularly when you drink or eat cold, hot, or sweet things
• Dark spots on the teeth
• Pain when biting
• Cavities (a hole or structural damage in a tooth)

Stages Of Tooth Decay

There are usually four stages of tooth decay, each more harmful than the last. They are as follows:

Stage One: Initial Demineralisation
The outer layer of your teeth is called the enamel. It’s the hardest tissue in your body and is mostly made up of minerals. When acidic plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth, the enamel begins to dissolve and demineralise. During this stage, you’ll likely notice white spots on your teeth where the plaque has worn away the enamel.

Stage Two: Enamel Decay
If your enamel continues to break down, the white spots will begin to turn brown. In this second stage, the enamel begins to deteriorate, and cavities begin to form. It’s common for people to get tooth fillings at this point to stop their cavities growing larger.

Stage Three: Dentin Decay
If the cavities continue to grow larger, they will begin to damage the dentin. Dentin sits underneath the enamel and is much more sensitive to acid damage. That’s why tooth decay accelerates rapidly at this stage, and those suffering from it will begin to feel extreme sensitivity when they drink hot, cold, or sugary liquids. If dentin decay is identified early on, it can be fixed with a filling. If substantial damage has occurred, your dentist will likely remove the decayed portion of your tooth and place a crown over the remaining tooth structure.

Stage Four: Pulp Damage
In the final stage of tooth decay, the pulp (the layer below the dentin) will begin to decay. The pulp is the soft inner-most layer of the tooth, which can easily become infected once exposed. Infection of the pulp can lead to an abscess, which will cause severe pain that can spread to the rest of your jaw and face. You may also experience the following symptoms:

• Tooth turns black
• Tooth has a bad smell
• Swelling around the tooth
• Unpleasant taste

At this stage, root canal or extraction of the tooth are the only ways to relieve the pain and stop further decay.

What Does Tooth Decay Look Like?

Cavities can be hard to identify in the early stages of tooth decay. However, you may notice small white marks on your tooth enamel. As the cavity worsens, these spots will become brown or black. It can be easy to confuse cavities with stains, but these are some of the key differences:

• Cavities are usually darker in colour
• Stains tend to affect several teeth
• Cavities grow over time and never shrink, while staining can be reduced

In addition to the changes in colour, your gums can be a key indicator of tooth decay. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is a known cause of a decaying tooth. So, if you begin to notice tenderness in the gumline or a tooth that is starting to ache a bit, this could be a warning sign that a cavity is starting to develop.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

As mentioned above, tooth decay is caused by the acidity in dental plaque. Foods high in carbohydrates and sugars cause dental plaque because they attract bacteria to the mouth. This bacteria breaks down the food, leaving acids behind.

In addition to these kinds of food, poor brushing habits are a leading cause of tooth decay. Brushing at least twice a day is the only way to clear the plaque you’ve accumulated throughout the day. Over time, the plaque calcifies and becomes harder to clean, so it is essential to maintain consistent brushing habits.

Tooth Decay Treatments

The recommended treatment for tooth decay is dependent on its stage. Here are your treatment options based on the progression of your decay:

Initial Demineralisation
In this stage, tooth decay can still be reversed with fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is used to strengthen bones. It is found in most toothpaste, and drinking water in some parts of the UK. Your dentist can provide a fluoride treatment, usually in the form of a gel or varnish. This treatment will strengthen enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by plaque bacteria.

Enamel Decay
At this stage of decay, cavities are often present. Dentists use fillings to treat cavities. When giving you a filling, your dentist will first clear any areas of decay and then fill the hole with resin, ceramic, or dental amalgam.

Dentin Decay
Dentin decay may also be treated with a filling, or a crown may be required in more advanced cases. A crown covers the top portion of your tooth and prevents further damage. Before a crown can be placed, your dentist will remove the decayed area and some healthy tissue to ensure it fits properly.

Pulp Damage
When tooth decay has reached the pulp, a root canal is usually necessary. During this procedure, the damaged pup is removed before the cavity is cleaned and filled in. A crown is then placed on the affected tooth.

Abscess
If an abscess has formed, a root canal will be needed. This will help remove the infection and seal the tooth. In severe cases, the affected tooth may need to be removed completely. Antibiotics will be prescribed to kill the bacteria.

Preventing Tooth Decay

There are many ways to prevent tooth decay, including:

• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet: Reduce your intake of sugary food and drinks, limit snacking between meals, and drink more tap water.
• Brush teeth twice daily and floss: Just brushing your teeth is not enough; flossing will clean up to a third of each tooth that gets missed by the toothbrush.
• Use toothpaste containing fluoride: Most toothpastes now contain fluoride, but double check the ingredients on yours to ensure it does.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals: This will help increase saliva flow. Saliva is very important for protecting your teeth from decay.
• Stay well hydrated: Dehydration can reduce your saliva flow, so drink 6-8 glasses of fluids daily, mostly tap water.
• Apply fissure sealants: Ask your dentist whether they recommend applying fissure sealants to your teeth. They are a protective layer designed to shield the teeth that chew the most from harmful foods.

Seeing Your Dentist

Tooth decay can progress very quickly without the affected individual noticing until the latter stages of decay. That, combined with an increase in sugar consumption, is why it’s become one of the most common dental issues throughout the world. However, with effective brushing habits, a healthier diet, and other preventative measures, tooth decay can often be reversed.

If you’re concerned about your oral health or want a dentist in Milton Keynes to assess whether you’re suffering from tooth decay, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Our highly experienced team would be more than happy to support you, whatever your dental needs.