Tooth Decay London
Dental decay is the process by which acid breaks down and dissolves the enamel and dentine in your teeth.
It is caused by an acid that dissolves teeth, which is produced when bacteria in plaque combine with carbohydrates found in food and beverages. The acid will eventually cause a cavity, or hole, to form in your tooth. Dental decay can deteriorate your oral health and possibly require tooth extraction if left untreated.
If the tooth decay is not too bad, your dentist at Art Dentistry will remove all of the afflicted tooth and replace it with a filling.
Dental fillings are intended to fix and fill in cavities in teeth, preventing additional damage and preserving the appearance and health of your smile.
More details on fillings can be found here
If fillings are not used, the tooth decay-cavity will continue to grow. As it becomes worse, there may be an abscess (a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the tooth's roots) and discomfort. If treatment is not received, extraction of the tooth may be necessary, which could lead to bone loss, alter the contour of your mouth, disrupt your speech and eating patterns, and make you appear older than you are.
About Dental Decay Treatment
Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria that build up on your teeth and gums. This bacterium forms plaque, a thin, sticky film, as it grows.
Plaque uses the sugar in food and drink to produce an acid that eats away at the tooth surfaces, breaking down the strong enamel covering of teeth. Eventually, from repeated attacks, the enamel deteriorates and a hole or cavity appears.
Once the decay reaches the dentine of the tooth, it cannot be reversed, hence treatment is necessary. Dentine is more susceptible to degradation than enamel because of its softer nature.
Although sugar is a primary contributor to tooth decay, other variables can also promote decay, including:
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Saliva is your body's natural barrier against deterioration. It prevents decay by serving as a buffer to keep sugar acids out of teeth. Your chance of developing dental decay may increase if your salivary flow is reduced.
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The grooves on the biting surfaces of your teeth are called fissures. Deep fissures are often difficult to clean and might lead to food packing.
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Poorly fitting dental appliances and fillings, such as overhanging fillings, poorly fitting crowns, bridges, or dentures, are often the source of food packing.
Invisible Fillings
Historically, dental fillings were composed of metal, such as silver. Due to their greater availability, alternative white or invisible fillings have become more and more popular in recent years. Invisible fillings are constructed of composite materials that are carefully matched to the hue of your teeth, giving the appearance of a bigger, brighter smile.
What Distinguishes Invisible Fillings?
- Compared to standard fillings, invisible fillings restore 85% to 95% of the natural strength of your tooth, improving your overall oral health.
- In addition, invisible fillings are safer because they don't contain mercury.
- Whichever type of filling you choose, its goal is to halt tooth decay in its tracks and preserve the health and beauty of your perfect smile.
Methods To Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can be prevented in its tracks when it first manifests by using fluoride. However, once a cavity has formed, the damaged part needs to be removed and replaced.
Reducing sugar intake and using fluoride toothpaste will have a significant impact. Although it is normally recommended to avoid refined sugars such as maltose, sucrose, glucose, and dextrose, a sugar alcohol called xylitol has been demonstrated to help reduce dental decay. Brushing alone won't get rid of the bacteria between your teeth; flossing and mouthwash with fluoride will.
It is recommended by our experts at Art Dentistry that you brush and use mouthwash twice a day in addition to flossing once.
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