Causes and Prevention of Tooth Decay

After the common cold, tooth decay is the second most common human problem worldwide. Suppose this decay is not controlled and treated.

In that case, it will gradually cause pain, discomfort, tooth loss, and sometimes even damage to the gum and bone tissue.

About a quarter of children between 2 and 5 years old and half of children between 12 and 15 years old in society struggle with this problem. Adults are also more likely to face caries as they age. Also, according to statistics, tooth decay is more common in people over 65 years of age so that this problem will increase significantly as the population ages.

Therefore, knowing the causes and consequences of decay and how to prevent it is essential.

Fortunately, this problem is straightforward to treat and even more accessible to prevent. Read this article to learn about the definition, causes, symptoms, treatment, how to stop, and how to strengthen a decayed tooth.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a gradual process that begins with the accumulation of dental plaque on the surface of the teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that sticks to the teeth.

When we consume sweet or starchy foods, the bacteria in the plaque break down these substances and produce acid. These acids gradually destroy the tooth enamel, which is the complex and protective outer layer of the tooth, and cause the tooth enamel to weaken.

Small microscopic holes called “decalcification” will be created in this situation.

Suppose this process is not stopped, and oral and dental hygiene is not observed. In that case, these small cavities will grow larger over time and penetrate the deeper layers of the tooth. In the next stage, the decay spreads to the dentin, the lower enamel layer, which is more sensitive.

This stage is usually associated with pain and sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks.

If not treated even at this stage, the disease can spread to surrounding tissues and lead to abscess or tooth loss.

What is tooth decay?

If the decay remains untreated, the bacteria can penetrate the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. At this stage, severe infection and pain may occur, requiring more complex treatments such as root canal treatment (neurectomy). If not treated even at this stage, the disease can spread to surrounding tissues and lead to abscess or tooth loss.

How do we know that our teeth are decaying?

Tooth decay has specific symptoms, and you are probably familiar with them. Some of the symptoms of tooth decay are clear at the beginning of the decay and are easy to recognize. But others show themselves with the progress of decay and later. The most important symptoms of this problem are:

Toothache that can be continuous or bother you from time to time
Tooth sensitivity due to tooth enamel erosion and exposure to the tooth’s lower layer (dentin), intensifying the toothache.
Creating gray, brown, and black spots with other dark colors
Bad breath
Unpleasant and unpleasant taste in the mouth

Creating small and large holes and cavities on the surface or depth of the tooth

Presence of infection in the gum tissue or soft tissue inside the root of the tooth can manifest as a tooth abscess and cyst.

It is not always possible to detect tooth decay at home

The above signs and symptoms facilitate the diagnosis of tooth decay at home. However, in the early stages, it may be difficult to recognize this problem at home. This is why we should visit a dentist every 6 months for a dental check-up to detect superficial and minor caries we cannot see.

What causes and factors cause tooth decay to start and continue?

Tooth decay often occurs when carbohydrate-containing foods get stuck between the teeth and are not entirely removed by brushing and flossing. The main reasons for this problem are the consumption of sweet, sticky foods and harmful drinks. The more sweet things (containing sugar) are consumed, the more acid is produced, which leads to more decay.

Sugars combine with plaque in the mouth and weaken tooth enamel, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay. Every time you eat a sugary snack, your teeth are exposed to acid damage for 20 minutes. Other causes of tooth decay include:

Poor oral hygiene
Formation of microbial plaque and its hardening
Not getting enough fluoride
Reduction of oral saliva
Dry mouth syndrome
Consuming acidic and delightful and carbonated foods
Neck and face radiation therapy
Some particular diseases, such as diabetes
Taking some particular medicines
Smoking

Getting to know the classifications or classes of tooth decay

Dentists use a caries classification system to restore and treat caries. This classification is because the necessary treatments and restoration methods are applied based on the location and intensity of decay. Based on this, we have six different classes of tooth decay, which you will know in brief below.

Caries Class	Description
Class 1	Caries related to the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth (molar and premolar)
Class 2	Caries related to the surfaces between the posterior teeth
Class 3	Decay in the surfaces between the anterior teeth
Class 4	Similar to Class 3, provided that the caries have reached the tip of the tooth
Class 5	Damage to the tooth, neck, or dental collar
Class 6	Damage to one of the edges and tips of the teeth

What is the treatment of tooth decay?

Even people who follow oral hygiene regularly may have one or two rotten teeth. By identifying the decayed tooth in time, you can treat it so that the problem does not become more severe, and you eventually lose your tooth.

Fluoride therapy

If tooth decay is in the early stages, it can be stopped and returned to its previous state with the help of fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and regenerates minerals in the tooth structure. Fluoride treatment is one method of strengthening decayed teeth, especially in children.

Tooth filling (the most common method of treating tooth decay)

If your teeth have decay on the surface or depth, the dentist will perform tooth restoration (dental filling) for you. In this method, the signs of damage are cleaned from the teeth, and the cavities created after removing the remaining bacteria and decayed tissues are filled using unique filling materials.

Filling materials used in tooth restoration often include amalgam, composite, or ceramic. The purpose of tooth restoration is to prevent the progression of decay, strengthen the tooth structure, and restore the tooth’s function and natural beauty.

Tooth denervation

If the decay has spread so deep that it has infected the pulp or pulp, you may need a root canal or treatment. During this procedure, the dentist removes the infected tissue in the tooth’s root (the soft tissue includes nerves and blood vessels) and cleans the inside of the root.

This process is called tooth extraction. Finally, the dentist repairs the denervated tooth with filling materials. If the damage is extensive, your dentist restores the deceased tooth with dental veneers.

Tooth extraction

In the most severe cases, when the damage to the pulp does not heal, your dentist may pull your tooth. The dentist suggests a dental bridge or implant to replace the missing tooth. Otherwise, a gap is created in the jaw arch, which can cause the teeth to be crooked. Crooked teeth make you need orthodontic treatment sooner or later.

Prevention tooth decay?

How should we prevent the spread or even the beginning of tooth decay? By following the following, you can succeed well and without any problems in preventing tooth decay, especially in children:

Brush your teeth every day: Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes each time. Brush about 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals.
Remember to floss. You must use dental floss to prevent tooth decay on the lateral and interdental surfaces.
Use mouthwashes’ strengthening and restorative properties: Mouthwashes not only reduce mouth acidity but also help strengthen tooth enamel.
Take care of your food: reduce or completely stop the consumption of sweets and sugary and acidic substances.
Get the right toothpaste for your teeth: try a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
See your dentist regularly: See a good dentist every 6 months.
Try fissure sealants: If the grooves in your molars are too deep, try fissure sealants to prevent tooth decay.
Drink fluoridated water: Fluoride in any form helps strengthen tooth enamel.
Treat decay-related problems and diseases.
Do not take certain medicines that cause damage to the teeth.

FAQ

Answers to the most common and important questions about tooth decay

How much does it cost to repair a decayed tooth?

The cost of restoring a decayed tooth varies depending on the amount and depth of decay in your teeth and, most importantly, the type and method of restoration.

How long will the process of strengthening a decayed tooth take?

The treatment duration can differ depending on the method you intend to use to repair the decay. For example, simple filling in 1 session, nerve extraction in 2 sessions, tooth extraction in 1 session, tooth veneer in 2 sessions, etc.

Which dentist should we visit to repair and treat caries?

General dentists and restorative and aesthetic dental specialists usually strengthen decayed teeth. You should discuss your problem with our dentists at the Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach and have an examination.

What filling materials are used for partial tooth decay?

Amalgam, silver, or composite filling materials are used. But if you intend to fix the decay of the front tooth, it is better to use composite to fill the tooth.

Why does tooth decay despite brushing?

It comes down to brushing at the right time. As you know, the pH of oral saliva is neutral and in the range of 6.2 to 7.6. Therefore, when consuming sweet foods, the mouth’s pH becomes acidic and decreases to 5.5, remaining acidic for an average of 20 minutes. Acidification of the pH of saliva is due to the presence of bacteria that break down food carbohydrates and release lactic acid, butyric acid, and aspartic acid. This time is significant for brushing, and tooth decay occurs during this period. It is interesting to know that the pH of oral saliva returns to normal after these 20 minutes due to the buffering properties of saliva.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the causes and prevention of tooth decay is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. Regular dental visits are crucial in identifying early signs of decay and ensuring effective treatment before the condition worsens. At Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Don’t wait for dental issues to escalate—schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier future!