What is Tooth Decay? Dentist in Melrose, MA

In case the cavity is left untreated, it will only worsen the situation. A small cavity can wreak havoc and destroy your tooth down to the nerve or pulp. That is the reason why it is imperative to getregular teeth cleaningsand treat any carries immediately when they start forming before, they break through your enamel and form a cavity.
In the initial stages of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend fluoride. This may help restore your tooth’s enamel and is more potent than the fluoride used in toothpaste and mouth rinses. Our review found that water fluoridation is effective at reducing levels of tooth decay among children. The introduction of water fluoridation resulted in children having 35% fewer decayed, missing and filled baby teeth and 26% fewer decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth. We also found that fluoridation led to a 15% increase in children with no decay in their baby teeth and a 14% increase in children with no decay in their permanent teeth. These results are based predominantly on old studies and may not be applicable today.
When this bacteria is left to sit on our teeth, it starts to form plaque, a white film composed of tons of bacteria. When we don’t take the appropriate steps to care for our oral health, the bacteria can begin to produce acids that eventually erode our tooth enamel. And when these acids come into contact with the outer layer of our teeth, they start to create cavities. Bacteria are living things like human beings are, and they eat, grow, reproduce, and move around, just like we do. Tooth decay is caused by the waste that bacteria make when they feed on the sugars in the foods and drinks we put into our mouths.
A minor cavity in a child’s tooth may be treatable with a simple dental filling, whereas treating a deep cavity may require pediatric pulp therapy or even baby tooth extraction. If your dental decay manages to go even further beyond the pulp, it can cause an abscess. An abscess is an infection of the tooth’s root, and this can be very painful.
Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. It’s common for people over age 50 to have tooth-root decay.
Anorexia and bulimia can lead to significant tooth erosion and cavities. Stomach acid from repeated vomiting washes over the teeth and begins dissolving the enamel. Eating disorders also can interfere with saliva production.
From dentisterie to the dentin, down to the pulp which contains a tooth’s blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It’s quite easy to prevent tooth decay through proper oral hygiene if you catch the earliest stages. Keep reading for 8 common symptoms of tooth decay that you should watch out for. I am in Texas visiting family and working for the next few weeks and one morning while flossing noticed something in my gums. As my dentist is in California, I am unable to see him. I called my sister and she referred me to Dr. Tay and his office.
Avoid sugary and starchy foods, and avoid frequent snacking. As well as going to the dentist because of a toothache, many people also go for regular check-ups. Read about how to find the right dentist, how to prepare for the appointment and what to remember. When decay reaches the dentin, there is no turning back. A small cavity can be repaired with either an amalgam filling or a tooth-colored resin material.