Dental decay is the breakdown of teeth surfaces, which may damage both the dentin layers and the tooth’s enamel. Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, soda, fruits, cereals, cakes, sweets, and pieces of bread leave sugars and starches on the teeth, causing tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth break down these meals and convert them to acids. When bacteria, acid, food waste, and saliva mix to adhere to the teeth, plaque is caused. Plaque acids erode at the enamel surface of the teeth, causing cavities. Cavities begin tiny and get larger over time if they are not addressed. Because many cavities may not produce discomfort at first, it might be difficult to notice if there is an issue. Tooth decay may be detected early with regular dental visits.
Cavities and dental decay are among the most frequent health issues worldwide, according to Children Dental Indianapolis IN. Cavities may affect anybody with teeth, even newborns. It may come as a shock to learn that you have a cavity. This state is particularly true if you believe you practice proper dental hygiene. Even if your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, there are methods to cure it and prevent new ones from emerging.
Factors That Cause Cavities
A wide range of microorganisms lives in our mouths. There are hundreds of different forms of bacteria on the teeth, gums, tongue, and other regions of the mouth. While some bacteria are beneficial, the majority are detrimental, and they have an essential function in the formation of molar cavities.
Throughout the day, our lips are engaged in a “tug of war.” These include dental plaque, germs, and sugar or starch-containing meals or beverages (milk, bread, cookies, candy, juice, etc.). Bacteria will use sugar or starch as a raw material to create acid if you eat or drink anything with those ingredients. These acids eat away at the teeth’ surface as well as the enamel. The minerals in saliva (calcium, phosphorus), as well as fluoride from toothpaste, water, and other sources, aid enamel regeneration by replenishing minerals lost during the acid “invasion.”
The Following Factors Mainly Cause Molar Cavities
The plaque builds up and degrades the enamel if you don’t clean your teeth enough or brush them incorrectly. Plaque grows on your teeth over time and accumulates. Saliva aids in the removal of plaque from the teeth. Plaque might build up quickly if you have a dry mouth, which means your mouth produces very little saliva. Cavities are caused by improper eating and drinking habits. We have to eat and drink to survive; we can survive without this. Daily eating, on the other hand, has a significant effect on the development of dental decay. Unless you wash your teeth after eating or drinking, carbs stay in your system. You can’t get rid of food particles or carbohydrates properly even after brushing. As a result, the risk of dental caries increases. While most people dislike the idea of bacteria and acids, they exist in your mouth. Acids are produced when these bacteria break down carbohydrates found on the teeth, gums, and tongue.
Medical issues: Some disorders, such as gastro esophageal reflux disease, cause stomach acid to flow back into the mouth, causing tooth decay over time. When your teeth come into touch with stomach acid, anorexia nervosa raises your risk of tooth decay (since you overeat, it is easy to vomit). Furthermore, specific cancer treatments expose the head and neck to radiation, which disrupts saliva production and promotes the development of germs in the mouth.
To avoid tooth decay, follow these steps
Brush your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste two times a day. Brush after each meal, and particularly before going to bed, if feasible. It would be best if you regularly used an interdental cleaner or dental floss, such as Sonicare or Crest interdental brush, to clean between your teeth. Use a fluoride-containing mouthwash regularly. Antiseptic chemicals are used in certain rinses to aid in the killing of germs that produce plaque. Limit snacking and eat healthful and balanced meals. Carbohydrates like candies, pretzels, and chips may stick to your teeth and cause decay. If you consume sticky meals, wash your teeth right away. Consult your dentist about using fluoride supplements to strengthen your teeth. To protect your back teeth (molars) from decay, talk to your dentist to apply a dental sealant (plastic protective cover) to chewing surfaces. Fluoridated water should be consumed. To prevent teens from having toothache, they must drink at least one pinch of fluoridated water every day. Schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with your dentist regularly.
Dentists for children in Indianapolis IN are working on novel ways to prevent tooth decay. According to a Pediatric Dentist in Indianapolis IN, chewing gum containing sugar xylitol has been found to temporarily reduce the development of bacteria that promote dental caries. In addition, several fluoride-releasing materials are being studied over time to help prevent further degradation. This material will be inserted between the teeth or into the cracks and cavities in the teeth. Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN is also investigating toothpaste and mouthwash that may be able to “reverse” and “heal” early cavities.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms arise when the cavity progresses. See your dentist as soon as possible if you detect any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Pain: One of the most prevalent signs of dental decay is pain.
- Sensitive teeth: Hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods or beverages will cause dental sensitivity.
- Pus in the teeth: The most significant and visible indication of dental decay is pus in the teeth.
- Cavities grow in teeth, and the holes are often only visible via dental X-rays.
- The interior and exterior surfaces of the teeth become brown or black.
- The dentist uses a drill to remove rotten material from the teeth. Your dentist will then use materials such as silver, gold, or composite resin to fill your teeth.
