One of the most prevalent problems of teeth which is of utmost importance and one that requires quick remedy is dental caries. It is a condition which breakdowns the surfaces of teeth due to acids produced when sugar is ingested in the form of food or drinks reacting with bacteria that colonize in the oral cavity. It can be prevented or accurately managed if diagnosed at the right time.
A cavity in a tooth doesn’t start off with pain instead erodes the enamel and turn into pits which are too small to notice. Later when they progress the teeth may be sensitive to sweet, cold or hot foods or drinks. Caries that has destroyed enamel cannot be reversed. Most caries will continue to get worse and go deeper. With time, the tooth may decay down to the root. How long this takes will vary from person to person. Caries can erode to a painful level within months or years.
Diet is important in preventing a cavity. Every time we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starches, bacteria in our mouth use the sugar and starch to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away the tooth’s enamel. Our saliva can help fight off this acid attack. But if we eat frequently throughout the day, the repeated acid attacks will cause the tooth to lose minerals and eventually develop a cavity. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste two times each day is important for preventing cavities.
Once caries gets worse and there is a break in the enamel, only the dentist can repair the tooth. Then the standard treatment for a cavity is to fill the tooth. Sometimes bacteria may infect the pulp inside the tooth even if the part of the tooth you can see remains relatively intact. In this case, the tooth will need root canal treatment and a crown. Composite resin as filling material offers a better appearance because it is tooth-colored which are very durable.
If caries is not treated, eventually it may even lead to loss of a tooth. Only regular dental examinations and X-rays can show early trouble.
