Tooth Decay: Why it Happens & What You Can Do About It

Tooth Decay: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Today, tooth decay is a common problem, particularly among children. Children’s teeth are not as strong as adult teeth because of the thickness of their enamel coating.  This is the major reason for the gradual increase of tooth decay in children.

Tooth decay is nothing but bacteria, which turns into acid that affects tooth enamel. This often occurs because we eat certain foods or drinks with high sugar contents.

Tooth decay is one of the most widespread health problems in the UK. About 50% of adults in the UK suffer from tooth decay, as do about 65% of the children between the ages of eight and 15.

You should not be afraid of tooth decay. It is preventable and also curable. But we do need to take steps to help children avoid this dental problem. Parents and caretakers need awareness for themselves and their children.

Causes and Consequences

Being aware of tooth decay is not enough to solve the problem. Let’s discuss the major causes and consequences of tooth decay.

Everyone’s mouth is filled with bacteria. This bacteria combines with particles of the food we eat and becomes a sticky film or layer called plaque, which builds up on your teeth.

When you eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates, the plaque turns them into energy which produces more acid. This acid develops inside the tooth, resulting in a major problem.

A hole is formed below the surface of the tooth, and then the cavity is formed. This may also spread into the dentin layers underneath the enamel. This may completely affect the nerves and, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss.

Tooth decay differs from person to person. Some people may be affected by this problem, but this does not mean they have to suffer. If they take good care of their physical health, they can save their teeth from additional damage.

Symptoms and Treatment

People with tooth decay often feel no symptoms . Occasionally, they may discover their tooth decay by noticing an infected tooth or by suffering from toothache. Tooth decay can be prevented by some of these basic techniques:

  • Going to the Broomfield CO dentists twice a year
  • Brushing your teeth after having food or snacks
  • Brushing your teeth twice a day
  • Examining your mouth using mirrors
  • Avoiding consumption of foods high in sugar
  • Encouraging children to eat healthy foods

Treatment depends on how badly the tooth is affected by decay. Some minor tooth decay can be eradicated with fluoride treatment. But at a certain level, consulting a doctor is the only way to find a cure. Dentists can fix the affected tooth with a filling. You may also have to undergo a root canal. In very extreme cases, the dentist will have to remove the particular tooth. So, it is far better to prevent tooth decay from occurring or spreading.

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