Are your teeth decaying? Let's learn more about cavities!

Have you ever suffered from a toothache? Or have you ever felt a tingling sensation or a slight pain when you eat? Most of the time, this could be due to tooth decay, which is a small hole in the tooth, or as we call it, a ``cavity''. So, today we will talk about what tooth decay is, why it happens, and how to avoid it.

What is a cavity? Simply put...

Simply put, a cavity is a small hole or damage to the surface of a tooth. This happens when the strong outer covering of the tooth, called enamel, is gradually eroded and broken down by certain acids in our mouths. This tooth decay is also called dental caries. Anyone can develop this condition. However, good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups can help prevent it to a great extent.

Are there types of tooth decay? Yes, there are!

Tooth decay can start on any surface of the tooth. Let's take a look at the main types:

• Smooth Surface Cavities: This is a type of cavity that develops more slowly. It is the enamel of the tooth that is being eroded. If you brush and floss your teeth properly, you can prevent this and sometimes even reverse it. This type of cavity usually occurs in young people in their 20s.
• Pit and Fissure Decay: This forms in the small pits and fissures on the surface of the teeth, where we chew food. It can also form on the front of the back teeth. This type of decay tends to start in young people, usually in their teens, and spreads very quickly.
• Root Decay: People who have receding gums as they age are more likely to develop this type of decay. When the gums recede, the root of the tooth is exposed. This exposes the root to plaque and acids. Root decay is difficult to prevent and treat. > If you have a problem with receding gums, it is important to ask your dentist if you should see a periodontist.

How common is this tooth decay?

Tooth decay is actually much more common than you might think. Studies show that in a country like America, more than 80% of people have at least one tooth decay by the time they reach their mid-30s. It is actually one of the most common chronic diseases affecting people of all ages.

Who is most likely to develop tooth decay?

Tooth decay can affect anyone of any age, but it is more common in young children.There are several reasons for this. Many young children do not brush their teeth properly, do not brush their teeth regularly, and they also eat a lot of sweet foods and drinks.

Adults can also get tooth decay. Sometimes, if a tooth was filled when they were young, new decay can start around the filling. Also, `Gum Recession` is a common occurrence in adults. This condition causes the roots of the teeth to come out. Then, those roots are more likely to be exposed to plaque and decay.

What are the symptoms of tooth decay? How do you know?

In the early stages, when decay is only on the surface of the tooth enamel, there is usually no significant pain or other symptoms. You only start to feel symptoms when the decay has spread beyond the enamel and into the layer beneath it called ``Dentin``, or even deeper into the ``Pulp`` of the tooth.

These are the symptoms of tooth decay:

• A bad smell coming from the mouth, or a bad taste in the mouth.
• Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease.
• Swelling of the face.
• Toothache, or mouth pain.
• Tooth Sensitivity is the feeling of teeth becoming numb when you eat hot or cold foods and drinks.

Tooth decay: gradual damage

Tooth decay doesn't happen all at once. It happens gradually, in stages. Let's take a look at what those stages are:

1. Demineralization: This is the first stage. At this point, you may notice small, white, chalky spots on your teeth. This means that the minerals in your tooth enamel are gradually breaking down.

2. Enamel Decay: If left untreated, the decay will continue and the enamel will break down even more. This is when cavities will start to become more visible. The white spots may gradually turn a light brown color.

3. Dentin Decay: Dentin is the layer under the enamel of the tooth. It is much softer than enamel. So, when plaque and bacteria get into this layer, decay spreads very quickly. At this point, you may experience things like tooth sensitivity. The spots on the tooth may also turn dark brown.

4. Pulp Damage: The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. This is where the nerves and blood vessels are located. These are what nourish the tooth and help keep it alive. When decay reaches the pulp, you will start to feel severe pain . The gums around the tooth may also become red and swollen. The spots on the tooth may turn dark brown or black.

5. Abscessed Tooth:If deep decay is left untreated for a long time, an infection can develop inside the tooth. This can cause a pus-filled lump called a periapical abscess to form at the root of the tooth. This can cause pain in the jaw and face. The lymph nodes in the neck can also swell. This is a very dangerous condition, as the infection can spread not only to the surrounding tissues, but sometimes to the brain or even the blood (sepsis), which can be life-threatening.

Why do we have tooth decay? What are the causes?

There are several reasons why tooth decay occurs. Imagine this:

• Many types of tiny bacteria live inside our mouths. When we eat sweet, starchy foods (e.g., fruit, candy, bread, cereal, soft drinks, milk), these bacteria use the sugars and carbohydrates in those foods to make acids.
• Then, these bacteria, acids, small pieces of the food we eat, and the saliva in our mouths combine to form a sticky, colorless film called dental plaque that is deposited on the teeth.
• If we don't brush our teeth properly or floss, the acids in this plaque gradually dissolve the tooth enamel, creating holes in it, or cavities.

What are the risk factors for tooth decay?

There are certain things that can increase your risk of developing tooth decay. See if these apply to you:

• Dry mouth (Xerostomia): Some medical conditions (such as Sjögren's Syndrome) or certain medications (such as antidepressants) can cause dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, your saliva production decreases, and when your saliva production decreases, your teeth are more likely to decay.
• Frequent consumption of sweet, starchy foods and drinks, and frequent snacking.
• If someone in your family (parents, siblings) has frequent tooth decay problems, you may also be at slightly higher risk.
• Gum recession.
• If you have previously received radiation therapy for head or neck cancer.

Is tooth decay contagious?

Tooth decay itself is not "transmitted" from one person to another. However, the bacteria that cause tooth decay can be passed from one person to another. For example, kissing or sharing a spoon can transfer these bacteria. So, if bacteria from someone else gets into our mouths, over time, those bacteria can cause us to develop tooth decay and other oral health problems.

How do you know if you have tooth decay? (Diagnosis)

The best way to catch tooth decay in its early stages, before it becomes serious, is to see a dentist at least twice a year for a dental check-up.The dentist will use various instruments to examine your teeth. When a decayed tooth is touched with a small instrument called a ``probe``, it will feel a little soft.

Your dentist may also take dental X-rays of your teeth. These X-rays can help detect areas of your teeth that are not visible, such as areas where decay has begun.

How do you treat tooth decay?

Treatment for tooth decay depends on the severity of the decay, that is, how far the decay has spread. There are several main treatment methods:

• Fluoride Treatments: In the very early stages of tooth decay, when there is only minor damage to the enamel, fluoride treatments can help restore the damaged enamel, called remineralization. This can reverse the early signs of decay. This may require special toothpastes and mouthwashes prescribed by your doctor, as well as fluoride treatments given at the dental office.
• Dental Fillings: After a cavity develops in a tooth, the dentist will remove the decayed part and fill the hole. These dental fillings are made of a tooth-colored material called composite resin, silver amalgam, or gold.
• Root Canal Therapy: Root Canal Therapy is performed when the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth and is causing severe pain. This treatment relieves the pain in the tooth. This treatment is usually performed by an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating root problems. In this treatment, the damaged pulp of the tooth is removed, the canals inside are cleaned, and a special filling material called Gutta-Percha is filled in. In some cases, a dental crown may be placed over the tooth to further strengthen it.
• Tooth Extraction: Sometimes, if the decay is so severe that a root canal therapy is not possible, the dentist may have to remove the tooth. If a permanent tooth is extracted, a dental bridge or dental implant will be placed in the space. Your dentist will explain which options are best for you.

How to prevent tooth decay? This is the most important thing!

It is much better to prevent tooth decay than to treat it after it has occurred. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best solution. By brushing your teeth daily and flossing, you can remove plaque, acid, and bacteria that cause decay from your mouth. To maintain good dental and gum health, you need to do the following:

• At least twice a dayBrush your teeth for at least two minutes (in the morning and before going to bed), and if possible after each main meal, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
• Reduce your intake of sweet, starchy foods (such as sugary drinks, chocolate, and biscuits) as much as possible.
• Use dental floss daily, at least once a day, to remove food particles and plaque that get stuck between your teeth.
• Go for dental checkups at least twice a year (your doctor may recommend more frequent visits if you are prone to tooth decay or gum disease).
• Dental sealants can be applied to the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth to prevent decay. Ask your dentist about this.

Remember, a healthy pair of teeth is not just important for a beautiful smile, but also for your overall health!

What happens if you have tooth decay? If left untreated...

If tooth decay is left untreated for a long time, you can lose a large part of your tooth and eventually have to have it extracted. When the decay is severe, a severe infection (Tooth Abscess) can develop inside the tooth and under the gum. This infection can spread throughout the body. Although very rare, a tooth infection can be fatal. Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have tooth decay.

What does the future hold for those with tooth decay?

Many people have tooth decay, but if it is treated properly, it does not cause long-term problems. Tooth decay usually develops slowly. That is why it is important to have regular dental checkups. Tooth decay can be stopped in its early stages with things like fluoride treatments. However, if decay reaches the root of the tooth, it is more likely to lead to tooth loss or a painful infection (abscess).

What time should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms, see a dentist without delay:

• If your gums are bleeding.
• If it is difficult to chew food.
• If there are signs of infection (e.g. swelling, fever, pus).
• If the face is swollen on one side.
• If you have a toothache or mouth pain.

What should you ask the doctor?

When you see your dentist, you can ask questions like these about your problem, treatment, and how to take care of your teeth going forward:

• Why do I have this toothache?
• What is the best treatment for this decay?
• What can I do to reduce further tooth decay in the future?
• What complications should I be concerned about in this situation?
• What oral health products (such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash) do you recommend?

Will a decayed tooth heal on its own? Is it too late when a tooth hurts?

In the very early stages, when decay has only started in a small area of ​​the enamel, yes, it is possible to reverse some decay. Tooth enamel has the ability to repair itself to some extent (remineralize). If the decay is very small, and has not spread beyond the enamel, it can be reversed with fluoride treatments and good oral hygiene practices.

However, it is important to remember this: If decay has penetrated the enamel and penetrated the layer beneath it (Dentin), it will not heal on its own. It will definitely require a filling, crown, or other dental treatment.

A toothache usually means that the decay has reached the deeper layers of the tooth, either the dentin or the pulp. This does not mean that it is too late. However, at this point, you should definitely see a dentist to fix the decay. If you treat it quickly, your dentist will often be able to save your tooth. Most dentists want to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.

Finally, things to remember

Going to the dentist can be a bit scary and anxiety-inducing for some people, especially when you don't know exactly what to expect. However, when you build a good relationship with a dentist you trust and are comfortable talking to, you can greatly reduce the fear and anxiety of being in the dental chair.

Your dentist will teach you the proper ways to brush and floss your teeth to help prevent new tooth decay and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come. It's up to you to follow those instructions.

Never forget that a healthy pair of teeth and a healthy mouth are a great strength and support for your overall health!

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