What is tooth decay?

• Tooth decay is a disease that destroys teeth.
• It can result in the loss of teeth if it is not treated.

What causes tooth decay?

• Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria in dental plaque.
• The bacteria feed on dietary sugars and release acids, which dissolve and destroy the teeth.
  

What are dental plaque, calculus and tartar?

• Dental plaque is a thin coating of bacteria and food particles that sticks to teeth.
  • It cannot be rinsed off, but it can be removed by brushing, flossing and dental scaling.
  • It causes tooth decay and gum disease.
  • The longer that plaque is allowed to remain on teeth, the greater are the risks of gum disease.
• If plaque is not removed, it can harden to form calculus, also called tartar.
• Calculus should be removed by a dentist or hygienist, as it cannot be removed by brushing.
• Diets rich in soft, sticky, carbohydrate foods (refined sugars) assist plaque formation.

How does decay progress through the tooth?

• The first layer of tooth to be affected is the outermost, the enamel.
• It then spreads to underlying dentine.
• The decay can eventually reach the pulp, which is the name for the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth.

Spread of decay

What are the symptoms of tooth decay?

• The symptoms of decay will vary according to the extent to which it has spread into the tooth.
  • Decay is quite painless in the early stages when only the enamel is affected.
  • When decay has spread to the dentine, pain can be caused by sweet foods, such as chocolate, sugary snacks and drinks.
  • When the decay spreads deeper, sensitivity can be felt with hot and cold drinks.
  • Severe ongoing pain that is caused by hot food and drinks indicates that the nerves and blood vessels have become affected by the decay.
    This condition is called a pulpitis.

Visit our Pain Chart to learn more about the causes of pain (#11 above)

How does the dentist discover decay?

• The dentist uses a special fine explorer instrument to discover cavities that have developed.
• Regular check ups by the dentist, and periodic x-rays will ensure that decay will be detected soon after it has started.
  X-rays can reveal decay that cannot be detected by visual dental examination.
• A dull white patch on the tooth could be a sign of early decay.

Illustration of x-ray showing decay

Which tooth surfaces are most likely to decay?

• The chewing surfaces of back teeth with their grooves and pits, are usually the first to decay.
  This is because dental plaque accumulates in these areas.
• The tooth surfaces where adjoining teeth meet are also common places for decay to start.
• Tooth decay can start around and under old fillings that have cracked, chipped or broken down.
• Decay can also occur at the gum line, which is at the neck of the tooth.

Why are regular brushing and flossing necessary?

• Plaque formation is an ongoing process which starts again soon after brushing.
  This is why regular brushing and flossing are necessary to keep plaque off the teeth.
  • Brushing cleans mainly the surfaces of the teeth that can be seen.
  • Floss removes dental plaque from between the teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach.
    

What measures should be taken to prevent tooth decay?

• Tooth decay can be prevented by home care and oral hygiene, professional care and diet control.
• Home Care and Oral Hygiene
  • Regular brushing and flossing are essential:
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime.
  • Regular flossing will remove harmful plaque from the areas between teeth, that the brush cannot reach.
  • Special brushes and devices, prescribed by the dentist, can help to clean areas in the mouth that are difficult to reach.
  • Your dentist may recommend a mechanical or ultrasonic toothbrush to remove dental plaque.
  • The surface application of fluoride is made with the daily use of fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes.
    Fluoride is a chemical that hardens the enamel of a tooth, and increases its resistance to decay. It can also help to stop the early stages of decay.
• Professional care
  • Adults and children should see the dentist twice a year.
  • Regular visits to the dentist for professional examination and cleaning are essential.
  • The early detection and treatment of decay and gum disease will only be possible with regular dental inspection.
  • X-rays will help the dentist to find early signs of decay.
  • Fissure sealants can be applied to back teeth to protect them from decay.
  • Fluoride applied to the teeth by the dentist will also help to prevent decay.

Before sealants

After sealants

• Diet Control
  • Reduce the amount of refined carbohydrate in your diet.
  • This includes the refined sugar found in table sugar, biscuits, cakes, chocolates, sweets, and fizzy soft drinks.
  • The acid in carbonated soft drinks, including diet drinks, is harmful to teeth.
  • Fruit, vegetables and juices, which contain natural sugars are preferable.

Source: www.simplyteeth.com