Tooth decay

HOW DOES TOOTH DECAY DEVELOP? Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. When you eat and drink, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that can cause the enamel or root surface to break down. Plaque collects around the gumline and on the chewing surfaces of your molars in the back of your mouth, putting these areas at higher risk of developing decay. You might not notice any signs or symptoms of early decay, but more advanced tooth decay can have several symptoms: dfood trapped frequently between teeth; ddiscomfort or pain in or around your mouth; ddifficulty biting down on certain foods; dsensitivity to hot, cold or even sweet foods; dbad breath; dwhite, then later dark, spots on your teeth.

TREATMENT Advanced tooth decay can be painful and can result in the loss of your tooth. Without treatment, bacteria can travel through the tooth and develop into an abscess—a severe infection— under the gums. This infection can spread to other parts of the body with serious, and in rare cases fatal, consequences. Advances in science have made it possible for your dentist to teach you how to prevent and even repair tooth decay in the early stages. Called remineralization, this approach includes use of rinses, pastes, coatings or filling materi – als that contain fluoride, calcium or phosphates.

PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY

Good dental hygiene is the first step in preventing tooth decay. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner. Whenever possible, drink water that contains fluoride as a way to strengthen your enamel. Limit snacking and sipping on drinks high in sugar or acids. Consider having your dentist place sealants, a protective coating, on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These will cover the pits and grooves there and help eliminate places for bacteria to collect. More and more products are becoming available to help treat and prevent tooth decay. Why wait for a cavity to develop? Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and a thorough examination, as well as to stay on top of these new techniques to improve your oral health.