TOOTH DECAY

What's tooth decay?

When the enamel and dentine of a tooth soften from acid attack after consuming sugary foods or drinks, tooth decay sets in. With time, the acid bores a hole (cavity) in the tooth.

Tooth decay is also known as dental caries. It is the same thing as dental decay. Visit the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London for good treatment if you are having tooth decay.

What's the cause of tooth decay?

A tooth begins to decay when plaque acids gradually eat up the dentine and enamel of the tooth. This puts your teeth in danger, and there might be a need to take out the decayed tooth or have it filled. Should you or any member of your family have tooth decay, schedule an appointment with us at the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London. We are good at the treatment of decayed teeth.

Parts of Dentition

There are some vital parts of your teeth you should know about in the course of understanding what tooth decay is all about. They include:

The Enamel

Enamel is the outer protective covering of the tooth. It is hard; in fact, the hardest part of the body. There are no nerves or blood vessels in the enamel, and it is insensitive to pain.

The Dentine

Dentine is that part of the tooth that is below the enamel. It forms most of the tooth and as such, is sensitive to pain. The dentine covers the central pulp of the tooth.

The Pulp

At the middle of the tooth lies the pulp. It's a soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels. The pulp has the ability to produce dentin.

Definition Of Plaque

Plaque or dental plaque is a sticky, thin, colourless or pale yellow film containing different types of bacteria that coats your teeth.

So, why do teeth decay?

The reaction between the sugar in food and drinks and the bacteria in plaque which forms acids is what causes tooth decay. When you consume sugary foods or drinks, the acids will attack the teeth and begin to make the enamel soft and dissolve. This negative impact or attack can stay for one hour after eating or drinking before the saliva's natural salts would remineralise and harden the enamel again.

Not only sugars are harmful. There are other kinds of carbohydrates (fermentable carbohydrates) in foods and drinks that react with the dental plaque to form acids. Some of these sugars are found in cooked starches, processed food, and natural food like fruits.

Do well to check the ingredients used in making processed food and drinks. Any ingredient ending with 'ose' in the name is a sugar, for instance, maltose, sucrose, etc.

Taking acidic or sugar-coated drinks and snacks between meals may heighten the risk of dental decay because your teeth will be under steady attack without any time to regain its natural hardness. This is why it is not advisable to keep consuming food and drinks that are sugary always.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay

The early stages of decay do not have any symptoms, although, your dentist may be able to identify a cavity beginning to form during a dental checkup. Therefore, you must do a routine dental checkup because tooth cavities are easier to treat than a well-developed decay.

Visit the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic today to have your teeth checked out. Our clinic is in London. We pride in our outstanding dental care services and dentists who are smart, committed, and friendly. You can come around during the week. Our doors are open for you!

What to expect in case you develop a cavity

If you have a tooth cavity, the moment it reaches your dentine, your tooth may become more sensitive, especially when you take hot or acidic foods, sweet foods and drinks.

Overtime, as the decay spreads towards the dental pulp, you may begin to experience a toothache. However, the toothache may last for just a few seconds if it's caused by sweet or hot foods. When the decay nears the pulp, you may experience pain for a longer time during which you may require pain relief drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol to ease your pain. See your dentist at once if your tooth is dying to prevent it from developing into a dental abscess which is imminent if you are not treated on time. We have a good dental team at the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London. We can treat a tooth cavity before it becomes worse.

Why is the early treatment of cavity necessary?

The fact that you have a toothache is a red flag that something is not right. If you leave your cavity untreated, it will worsen the problem such that you might even lose a tooth that could have been treated and saved. Come to Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London. Our team of excellent dentists will take care of all your dental issues with great care and proficiency.

What parts of my teeth are prone to decay?

Primarily, the surfaces between your teeth and the biting surfaces are more susceptible to decay because food and plaque can be hidden in these parts. However, any area of your tooth can be affected. Come to us in London today for proper diagnosis.

Treatment of teeth decay

The kind of treatment you'll need depends on the severity of the decay. If your tooth decay is less severe, your dentist may likely take out the decay and fix your tooth with a filling. In some cases, the nerve at the centre of the tooth may be damaged. If this happens, your dentist will perform a root canal treatment by taking out the nerve and fixing the tooth with a crown or filling. In a case where your tooth is seriously decayed, fixing it may not be ideal; thus, your dentist may have to remove it completely!

We at the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London offer a wide range of treatment for tooth decay. We have modern dental facilities and equipment plus a friendly team of dentists. You should visit our clinic today.

Will a filling always be needed?

At the beginning of the decay, your dentist may use a fluoride varnish on the area to stop further decay and remineralise your tooth. But it's apt to adhere to the routine of cleaning recommended by your dentist, using a fluoride toothpaste so that decay doesn't reappear. We can help you with all the information concerning dental care; visit a dentist today.

Are there other measures to adopt as protection against decay?

Yes. As you begin to grow the adult molars, if your tooth is not having any sign of decay, then a pit and fissure sealant could be used for tooth protection. This sealant is a plastic film that covers all the tiny crevices in the tooth surface, such that a flat surface which is easier to clean is created. Adults whose teeth are not decaying can get this treatment. You can consult your dentist to know if this treatment is right for you. Fluoride varnishes can also be used on children's teeth two times in a year to protect their teeth against decay. Visit a dentist today. We do care about your dental health!

How can I prevent tooth decay?

By brushing your teeth very well as the last thing at night and at least one other time during the day using fluoride toothpaste, you can prevent decay. Do well to brush the internal, external, and biting surfaces of your teeth. Flossing is another key thing you shouldn't miss. Use dental floss or interdental brushes to take out bits of food and plaque stuck between and on your teeth. Your toothbrush may not be able to reach these areas.

What else can I do?

Have regular dental checkups as recommended by your dentist. Take less of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Do away with the habit of eating snacks between meals to reduce the strength of acid attacks on your teeth.

Also, chewing sugar-free gum produces more saliva in your mouth, and this could prevent dry mouth and decay.

The role of your dentist in preventing tooth decay

As always, your dentist will educate you on the part of your dentition that needs special attention. He/she will show you how well to brush and clean between your teeth and teeth surface using dental floss or interdental brushes.

Do you need more help?

You can always get good dental advice from our clinic. Call us on 020 71833755. Our phone lines are open all the time.

At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London, we have treated a lot of patients privately, and we can help you too.

Contact our qualified dentists for more information and assistance about tooth decay. We will give your case special attention and care. Do well to book an appointment with us today. Your well-being is our concern and priority!