What Is Tooth Decay?

premier • June 15, 2020

Do you feel you are suffering from tooth decay? Check out this guide below to learn more.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is when different things in your mouth become damaged. This can include your tooth’s surface and or your enamel. When your enamel or tooth’s surface experiences damage, the structure begins to decay. If decay is not addressed quickly, it could turn into cavities or even tooth loss.

Causes

One of the most damaging things to the structure of your mouth is bacteria. Our bodies need good bacteria to function properly and stay healthy. Unfortunately, not all bacteria is good bacteria. The mouth is one of the easiest ways for bacteria or viruses to enter the body. So if your mouth contains bad bacteria, it can lead to oral health issues. Bacteria and plaque will, in turn, create acids that break down the enamel or your teeth. This is what causes oral decay.

Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms , please contact a dentist immediately. You do not want to ignore signs of oral health issues, because it can cause further damage in your mouth.

  • Toothache
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
  • White or brown stains on the tooth’s surface
  • Cavities
  • Infection or an abscess

What’s Next?

If you are experiencing tooth decay, there are a few ways to handle it. Treatments will also depend on the severity of deterioration. As stated before, it is better to catch it sooner rather than later! According to Medline Plus, these are the most common treatments for tooth decay.

  • Fluoride treatment
  • Fillings
  • Root canals
  • Tooth extraction

As stated before, each treatment option will depend on the individual and severity of tooth decay. If you are interested in learning more about decay, visit us at South Holston Dental Designs. At South Holston Dental, we pride ourselves on years of excellent and individualized treatment to our patients. We offer a variety of services to make sure all needs are met, and teeth are properly cared for. If you would like to schedule an appointment, visit us online here today!

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