How To Get Rid Of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the process whereby acids in our mouth corrode our teeth’ enamel, eventually causing cavities, abscesses, and loss of teeth. Saliva has a pH of between 6.75 to 7.25 and our teeth thrive when our mouths maintain this pH. Whenever we eat, the bacteria in our mouths also feed on any sugary or starchy food particles stuck on or between our teeth. To digest the food, these bacteria release acids that are harmful to our teeth. If we allow these acids to stay in our mouths, they start eroding our teeth and over time can cause cavities. So, is it possible to prevent or treat tooth decay? Keep reading for our best tips on how to get rid of tooth decay
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a progressive condition that takes place in stages. The first stage occurs when the hard layer of our teeth (enamel) starts losing minerals after exposure to the acids produced by plaque bacteria. White spots are the first sign of tooth decay as they appear on the teeth when the enamel loses some of its minerals.
If you don’t take any action after the first signs of tooth decay, the plaque acids will continue eroding your teeth. Any white spots will turn brown, and your teeth may develop holes called cavities. These holes need to be filled in by a dentist to prevent further damage or tooth loss.
If tooth decay continues beyond the enamel, it will damage the inner layer of the tooth called the dentin. Dentin is softer than enamel, so tooth decay progresses very fast once it reaches this layer. The dentin is also connected to the nerves of the tooth, so when decay affects it your teeth become extremely sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Damage to the dentin layer of the tooth is often treated by fixing a crown onto the tooth.
In case tooth decay remains untreated it will progress to the innermost layer of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp layer contains nerves and blood vessels, and any damage here will lead to swellings, infections, and abscesses. A tooth abscess is a painful pocket of pus that forms at the root of the teeth. It can cause your gums, face, jaw, and neck to swell. Extreme cases of infection and abscess may force your dentist to remove the affected tooth.
How to Get Rid of Tooth Decay
The best way to get rid of tooth decay is to catch it during the early stages. Treatment at the early stages involves a fluoride treatment whereby your dentist applies a fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth. Fluoride remineralizes and strengthens the tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to plaque bacteria acids.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Below are the best tips you should follow if you want to prevent tooth decay,
Watch Your Diet
Tooth decay occurs when we eat and drink a lot of sugary foods. As much as possible try to avoid junk food and soft drinks. A diet that consists of whole and natural foods is less likely to cause tooth decay. You should also minimize snacking between meals as this feeds the bacteria in our mouths and causes plaque. Have set times for eating and then brush your teeth after the meal. You can also chew sugar-free xylitol gum between meals to neutralize the acids created by plaque-causing bacteria. Another important tip is to drink water with a healthy amount of fluoride. Most tap water contains a healthy amount of fluoride so if the tap water in your area is safe to drink you should add this to your diet.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Daily
There is a reason why dentists recommend that we brush our teeth at least twice a day and floss every evening. This is the easiest way to get rid of plaque and prevent tooth decay. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste gets rid of food and plaque while restoring the mineral balance of our enamel. If you are prone to cavities, and your dentist prescribes it, you can also rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to get rid of plaque and plaque-causing bacteria. You should also floss your teeth once a day to remove food stuck between and at the corners of your teeth. Dentists recommend that you floss your teeth after the last meal of your day and then brush your teeth after flossing. This gets rid of the maximum amount of plaque.
Get Dental Sealants
Our molars and premolars tend to have grooves and ridges whereby food can get stuck for a long time. Bacteria can then have a field day feasting on these particles hence creating dental plaque and tooth decay. A dentist can apply a thin plastic coating called a sealant to the chewing surfaces of our back teeth, hence preventing food from getting stuck there. The sealant also acts as a protective barrier to the tooth.
Attend Your Dental Checkups
Another important way for how to get rid of tooth decay is to go for an annual or biannual dental checkup. During such an appointment your dentist will do a routine clean-up to get rid of dental plaque and tartar. They will also check for any signs of early dental decay and tell you how to fix tooth decay. Your dentist may also apply tooth decay treatments like fluoride gel or varnish to treat early forms of tooth decay.
Final Word on How to Get Rid of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when plaque-causing bacteria release acids that erode the enamel, dentin, and pulp layers of the teeth. Maintaining good oral health hygiene and annual visits to the dentist can prevent tooth decay. For more information on how to prevent tooth decay and maintain oral health grab a free copy of Why Me?