What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is a dental condition where acids made by bacteria in the mouth cause the breakdown of the teeth. When tooth decay first develops, the condition is relatively pain free, but as decay progresses it may result in pain and difficulty with eating. Complications of decay can include inflammation, toothaches, infections, or tooth loss. Here is more information about what causes tooth decay, how you can identify it, and how you can prevent it.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is caused by acids in that mouth that attack the outsider layer, or the enamel, of the tooth. The acids are created by bacteria that builds up in plaque on the surface of the teeth. Sugars in food feed the bacteria aiding in the development of decay. Daily brushing and flossing are critical steps to take to reduce this bacteria and reduce opportunities for decay. Tooth decay is a process that occurs over time, and if left untreated, can worsen leading to more severe dental complications.

How Do You Prevent Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay can be prevented through daily cleaning of the teeth, minimizing sugars in the diet, and adding fluoride to your daily routine. Brushing the teeth twice per day, after meals, is recommended to reduce bacteria. Minimizing how much sugar you eat and when you sugary foods can also go a long way to prevent decay. Visiting the dentist regularly can also help to reduce the risk of tooth decay. If dentists identify the early signs of decay they can take immediate steps to treat it.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay

One of the challenges with tooth decay is identifying the condition early enough to treat it. Early tooth decay has just a few signs and very few symptoms. This means an adult with tooth decay may not realize they have it. The earliest signs of decay is the appearance of white spots on the surface of the tooth. These spots are a sign that the enamel, or outside layer of the tooth, is being demineralized.  When left untreated it can cause cavities, or holes in the teeth, to develop. Before a cavity forms, tooth decay is reversible. As tooth decay progresses, and the enamel and structure of the tooth is destroyed, the cavity will become more noticeable resulting in a constant toothache and tooth sensitivity. If you notice that your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages or eat hot foods, you may have a tooth decay or a cavity that needs treatment. A tooth with a cavity is weak, increasing the risk of fractures and of internal infection. When the decay has progressed enough for the cavity to allow bacteria to enter the tooth and attack the center of the tooth, or the pulp, a more sever toothache will occur and the pain will become more constant. An infected tooth will need immediate treatment, in the form of a root canal. If tooth decay is never treated, the tooth may be lost. Other symptoms of cavities or more severe decay include bad bread and a bad taste in the mouth.

More on Tooth Decay : Can you Fix Tooth Decay?