Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problem which affects people of all age groups including small children, adults and older people. This decay is similar to termites affecting the wooden furniture where initially nothing happens but as time goes by, the entire wood is destroyed. Let us see various types of tooth decay with symptoms, methods of prevention and treatment at various stages of tooth decay.

The very initial stage of tooth decay is white opaque areas over the enamel of teeth which generally go unnoticed but can be identified by your dentist. Gradually, the white area turns into brown to black areas as seen in the figures below.

Gradually, cavities are formed and now patients complain food lodgment in their teeth. Some patients may have sensitivity to cold water at this stage which lasts only for a while. 

As the decay progresses further, it involves the second layer called dentine in which it spreads fast as compared to enamel and eventually results in a larger cavity. In this stage food lodgment is the main problem and the sensitivity increases. Till this stage, the tooth can be restored with various materials and can be saved easily.

Most of us ignore the cavities till the previous stages as there is rarely any pain associated with it. The decay gradually progresses to the vital part of the tooth i.e. pulp. Now the patient feels severe tooth sensitivity and pain which remains for more time. This pain increases by drinking cold water, consuming hot, sweet and sour foods. This pain is of throbbing nature and disturbs the patients in their routine activities. Many patients require painkiller medicines to get relief. At this stage also the tooth is salvable by root canal treatment and tooth cap as required. Many times the pain subsides by medication and some home remedies and the decay is ignored.

Finally the decay reaches at a stage where the tooth cannot be saved and requires removal. Although modern dentistry has various different materials and methods for tooth replacement but the fact is that – the natural tooth is gone !

 

Prevention of tooth decay

However, the decay can be prevented and managed easily if small. Here are the various methods to prevent tooth decay.

1.       Brushing your teeth twice daily. Always remember that night time brushing is much more important as the food sticks to the teeth and can form a good layer of plaque overnight.

2.       Flossing your teeth regularly. Floss is a thin waxed thread that is used to clean the areas between the teeth where brush cannot reach.

3.       Check up with your dentist every six months. This will help you to identify tooth decay in early stages and can be treated very easily so that the life of the tooth increases.

Treatment of tooth decay

There are various materials used to restore the cavity formed. Presently composite is one of the best material for shallow cavities. If the cavities become large then there are various restorations like inlay, onlay and crowns. A root canal treatment is required if the decay is large and involves the pulp.

Here is a before and after tretment picture of tooth decay.

Dr. Mukesh K Asrani

MDS

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