Solutions to Common Dental Problems
Tooth Decay & Plaque
Tooth decay occurs when a hole forms in your teeth. It can happen at any age and can cause minor or significant dental issues and conditions. Tooth decay is caused by dental plaque.
The good news is that tooth decay can be treated and even prevented.
The best way to keep you teeth and gums healthy is to maintain good oral hygiene practices and have regular check-ups to keep track of the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums.
What is Plaque?
Plaque, a biofilm, develops on teeth, usually appearing colourless but often described as having a sticky or fuzzy texture. Plaque becomes noticeable if you haven't brushed your teeth for a while. It develops when sugars and starches are consumed without proper follow-up brushing and flossing. Leaving sugars and starches in your mouth fuels bacterial growth. As bacteria feed on these substances, plaque begins to form.
Some foods contain high levels of sugar and starch. Examples include carbohydrate-rich foods like sweet cakes, breads, sweets, high-sugar fruits such as citrus, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and milk.
Plaque is a combination of food debris, saliva and bacteria.
Bacteria produce acids that gradually wear away the enamel of the teeth, leading to tooth decay. If plaque is not removed, it eventually hardens into tartar or calculus. After plaque calcifies into tartar, bacteria continue to thrive, shielded by the tartar. This ongoing presence can cause further deterioration of the tooth and its structure.
Plaque plays a critical role in the development of tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the result of a thin film of bacteria (commonly known as plaque) demineralising the tooth. This means plaque turns the sugars in your mouth into acid, which can then destroy your teeth.
At first this may appear as a white spot on your teeth, which can then turn into a hole or cavity. If the cavity remains untreated, the decay may move further into the tooth, which can cause an abscess or a toothache.
Tooth decay can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene practices. This includes:
- Removing the plaque by brushing and flossing the teeth gums and tongue
- Reduce your sugar intake found in all sorts of foods and beverages
- Regular application of fluoride upon your teeth
- Have regular dental check-ups which will help identify any tooth decay at an early stage.
Your dentist will be able to identify any tooth decay before you experience any symptoms or signs. This is done during your regular dental check up.
Signs and symptoms indicating tooth decay may develop, however these are likely to be at a more advanced stage of the decay process. These include:
- Tooth Pain
- Tooth breaking or fracturing
- Loss of fillings
- Bad breath
How Tooth Decay Forms
Once the bacteria converts the sugars and starches into acids, they attack the tooth's surface. This process leads to the minerals of the tooth being removed and is referred to as demineralisation. The bodies natural defence is to try and reabsorb the minerals that are in the saliva. This is the contra process known as remineralisation. It is when the demineralisation and remineralisation process is out of balance that results in tooth decay.
As saliva is important in managing the level of acid in your mouth, those who suffer from a dry mouth (condition) may also be more prone to acid attack and eventual tooth decay and gum disease.
If tooth decay is treated at the early stages it is possible for it to be reversed. This means the normal healthy tooth structure is retained. If left unattended, you risk the development of gum disease such as gingivitis and advanced gum disease such as periodontitis.
The first signs of tooth decay may be white speckles or white spots on the teeth at the gum line. It is these speckles that if left untreated can lead to decay and cavities. Indeed, once decay results forms a cavity (hole), the bacteria and plaque can make its way to the dentine.
This is the soft internal substance within the tooth that sits just under the tooth's enamel. Left unattended, the next stage could be that the bacteria reaches the pulp in the roots of the tooth. This area houses the blood vessels and nerves. Once the bacteria enters this space, an abscess can form and the roots become infected. An infection of the roots can lead to the infection spreading to the bone that holds the teeth in place.
Treatment for Tooth Decay
Treatments for decay are varied, and subject to the size and location of the cavity, and closeness to the nerve of the tooth.
Tooth decay can be treated if identified early. Your dentist will be able to spot decay at your regular dental check-up or via an x-ray.
Treatment options:
- Fissure Sealants that cover the tooth's fissures and prevent food debris from depositing in the grooves of your teeth
- Fluoride application - this will strengthen your teeth's enamel which will make it more difficult for the acid to breakdown the enamel and possibly cause decay. Whilst our water supplies has fluoride, you can supplement this with fluoride treatment at the dentist or selecting fluoride toothpaste
- Fillings and Crowns - the dentist will remove the decay before filling the cavity and providing the tooth with a cap either in the form of a filling or a crown.
- Root Canal Treatment - If the decay has reached the roots and damaged the pulp where the nerves and blood vessels reside, root canal treatment may be necessary. However, this is dependent on the extent of the decay and the effect it has on the roots of the tooth
- Removal - if the tooth cannot be restored by a filling, crown or root canal treatment it may need to be removed. You do not need to be left with a gap as you can have the tooth replaced with a denture, dental implant or bridge.
Preventative Dentistry: Prevent Cavities and Decay
You can prevent tooth decay by taking some important steps in your daily and long term oral care.
- Maintain good oral hygiene techniques
- Use fluoride toothpastes
- Have regular teeth cleanings (professional cleaning) and check-ups
- Avoid sugary food and drinks
- Avoid smoking
Your lifestyle choices and oral hygiene care play a significant role in the plaque you have and whether you develop dental decay. Take note of what you are eating and drinking, and your overall dental care regime.
These steps can help protect your teeth and prevent dental caries from forming and causing damage to your teeth. By visiting your dentist early, you can prevent the advancement of decay and caries from developing.
To find out more about treating tooth decay, call our friendly staff at Woodville & Seaton Dental Clinic on (08) 8268 5422 or request an appointment online.
