Tooth Decay – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Tooth decay (also known as dental caries or cavities) is a diet-related disease that causes nutrient loss in adult and baby teeth. In its early stages, it may appear as a white or dark spot on the tooth, but as more mineral is lost, a cavity or hole may form.

Further mineral loss may result in the cavity entering the centre of the tooth (the pulp), causing toothache.

It is a common dental issue that affects people of all ages. Teeth are necessary for chewing and eating food, as well as protecting our jawbone and assisting us in speech.

Despite what you may have heard, there are some facts about tooth decay and dental care that you should be aware of—information that should help you make a more informed decision.

What causes teeth to turn black?

Teeth that turn black are usually caused by one of two factors: extrinsic or intrinsic.

Extrinsic damage occurs on the outside of the teeth. This includes staining, tartar, and any other damage to the outer dental enamel.

Intrinsic damage begins on the inside and spreads outward. This happens when a problem within the tooth causes decay and damage.

A tooth does not usually turn black overnight. Instead, it will happen gradually. Ideally, a person should see a dentist before the damage is too severe. Some of the most common extrinsic and intrinsic causes of black teeth are as follows:

1. Bacteria cause cavities by destroying dental enamel and leaving small holes behind. These holes can become dark in appearance.
2. Dental restoration. Fillings and crowns that include amalgam, particularly silver sulfide, can cause teeth to appear black in colour.
3. Dark-colored foods and beverages, such as tea and cola, can stain teeth.
4. Taking specific medications Liquid iron supplements, for example, can cause tooth staining.
5. Tartar is a hard plaque deposit that can form on the teeth and usually appears below the gum line. Some tartars are dark in colour.
6. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, can significantly stain the teeth.
7. Most underlying causes of black teeth require a dentist’s care to remove or treat.

Symptoms of tooth decay

A toothache is the most common sign of tooth decay. Other symptoms of tooth decay include sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, bad breath, swollen gums, and black spots on your teeth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment.

If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause a variety of symptoms. These may include:

1. Toothache and tooth sensitivity
2. Brown or black stains on the tooth’s surface
3. Pain when biting
4. Swollen gums
5. Red and swollen face
6. Bad breath
7. Tooth loss

Treatment for tooth decay

The best way to treat tooth decay is to limit your sugar intake and practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash. You should also see your dentist on a regular basis for checkups. If we detect tooth decay in its early stages, the dentist  may apply a concentrated fluoride gel, varnish, or paste to the affected area, depending on the severity of the decay, to help stop tooth decay in its tracks. Regular checkups and good oral hygiene habits can help prevent it. Untreated tooth decay can lead to more serious issues, such as gum disease and even tooth loss. Fillings, root canal therapy, and extractions are all treatment options. Treatment is determined by the severity of the cavity and your specific situation.

Tooth extractions:

If the decay is advanced, you may require a tooth extraction. This can cause a gap in your mouth, causing some teeth to shift. For some people, who have had their teeth extracted, getting an implant or bridge to replace the missing tooth is a feasible alternative.

Fillings:

If tooth decay progresses beyond the early stages, the main treatment option is a filling. Filling materials include composite resins. Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored fillings that are more durable.

Crowns:

Crowns are a type of dental restoration that replaces your tooth’s entire natural crown. When you have tooth decay, your dentist will remove all of the decayed area as well as enough of the remaining tooth to ensure a good fit for the crown. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, resin, porcelain fused to metal, or other materials.

Fluoride:

Fluoride treatments are a viable option for people in the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments aid in the rebuilding of tooth enamel and the prevention of decay. Professional fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than tap water, toothpaste, or mouth rinses. This additional fluoride dose can make a significant difference in preventing tooth decay and further damage.

Root canals:

Root canal therapy is a common procedure used to repair and save badly damaged or infected teeth. The diseased tooth pulp is removed, medication is placed to clear any infection, and the pulp is replaced with a filling. This treatment can often prevent the tooth from being extracted.

Conclusion

Tooth decay (dental caries) is tooth damage caused by decay-causing bacteria in your mouth producing acids that attack the tooth’s surface, or enamel. This can result in a cavity, which is a small hole in a tooth. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

People of all ages, from children to the elderly, can develop tooth decay once they have teeth.

Early childhood caries, also known as baby bottle caries, is a type of severe tooth decay in baby teeth that affects young children.

Because many older adults have receding gums, which allow decay-causing bacteria in the mouth to come into contact with the tooth’s root, they can develop decay on the exposed root.

Visit Acme Dental Lounge to learn how to care for your and your children’s teeth, including when to start using fluoride toothpaste. You can visit our website at https://acmedental.in

For more information, call us on 9923459984 to book your appointment.

Make contact with Us-
Acme Dental Lounge
Westend Shopping Building, Office no. 4, 2nd floor, New DP Rd, opp. D’Mart, Ward No. 8, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra 411007
Contact- 9923459984
https://acmedental.in/