What is a decayed tooth? What is good for decayed toothache?
Oral and dental health is a matter that requires care and attention, and since the mouth area is constantly exposed to food, it is an environment that is very open to bacterial formations. Oral care should be done regularly and meticulously to prevent all kinds of oral and dental diseases, especially tooth decays. In case of insufficient care for brushing teeth, bacterial plaques formed on the teeth cause tooth decay by damaging the tooth enamel. In addition to causing bad breath and an unpleasant appearance, tooth decay can make daily life difficult by creating pain and sensitivity, if not treated, it can progress and lead to tooth loss. Therefore, oral and dental care should be done regularly, and if tooth decay is noticed, an examination should be made by consulting dentists.
What is a decayed tooth?
Tooth decay, which can affect individuals of all ages, is defined as the destruction of the tooth enamel and the outer hard surface of the teeth. Plaque, which is a public film of bacteria, forms on the teeth. The consumption of sugar-containing foods causes the bacteria in the plaque that has previously formed on the teeth to produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. The sticky nature of the plaques causes the acids formed to be in constant contact with the teeth and the tooth surface breaks down over time. At such times, cavities and caries occur in the teeth. Tooth roots are more sensitive than tooth surfaces and therefore more prone to decay. Decayed teeth are generally more sensitive to cold and heat. While superficial caries is more common in children and adolescents, individuals over the age of 50 mostly have caries in the roots of the teeth. The decay of the tooth edges is also common in adults. As people age, the fluoride in the teeth decreases, which leads to decay.
What are the symptoms of decayed teeth?
Decayed tooth symptoms; It may vary depending on the location, size, and depth of the decay in the tooth. If decays and cavities are just beginning to appear, you may not have any symptoms. As the decay grows, the following symptoms may occur:
- Toothache that occurs for no apparent reason,
- Teeth are more sensitive than normal,
- Mild or sharp pain in the teeth when drinking sweet, hot, cold drinks or eating foods,
- Brown, black or white stains on any surface of the tooth,
- Pain that occurs when any food is bitten.
In addition to these symptoms, the progression of caries also begins to cause bad breath. In the absence of timely treatment of dental caries, it is possible to reach the entire surface and root of the tooth. In such cases, it means that it is late for treatment.
Why do teeth decay?
“What causes tooth decay?” The question is one of the most curious questions. Plaques formed on teeth are the main cause of decay. Consuming too much sugary and starchy foods and not doing the necessary dental cleaning afterward causes caries. If the teeth are not cleaned after the consumption of sugary and starchy foods, the bacteria in the plaques are fed. This situation causes bacteria to reproduce more quickly and easily. First of all, tartar is formed and tartars are formed. The tartar that forms makes it difficult to remove plaques and creates a shield for bacteria. Thus, tooth decay occurs. When tooth decay is not treated, bacteria and acid present in the teeth envelop the entire structure of the tooth. It reaches up to the internal tooth material called the pulp, which includes nerves and blood vessels. These bacteria and acids cause swelling and irritation. As the swelling continues to expand inside the tooth, blood vessels and nerves are compressed. This situation is the main cause of toothache. Also, the acids in the plaques cause the minerals that protect the tooth surface to be destroyed. This causes small openings or holes in the enamel. Through these openings and holes, bacteria reach the layer called dentin. Dentin is a softer and less acid-resistant area compared to the tooth surface. Bacteria and acids that coat the dentin cause tooth decay and toothache.
How is a decayed tooth diagnosed?
It is necessary to be examined by a dentist for the detection of tooth decay. Dentists first listen to the patient’s medical history. The answer to the questions of how long the toothache and sensitivity have been continuing, how often and how strongly they watched gives information about caries. After that, physical imaging of the teeth is performed with special equipment. Mouth and teeth are examined with special medical tools. Sensitivity, holes, cavities, and caries in the teeth can be detected by physical examination. However, it is not possible to detect caries in the roots of the teeth by physical examination. Dental x-rays are needed to view the roots and nerves of the teeth. The purpose of X-rays is to visualize the nerves and tooth roots and to examine the formation of caries in the roots or nerves. Using all these methods, the level of cavities, holes, or caries is determined. The appropriate treatment for the detected situations is determined by the dentist. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, tooth loss is experienced.
How is decayed tooth treatment done?
Regular dream control is important for the treatment of dental caries to be successful. Treatment is applied according to the size of the bruises and cavities. If the gaps are just beginning and cavities have not yet occurred, fluoride treatment is applied. This treatment uses more fluoride than toothpaste normally contains. The fluoride supplement can be in liquid, gel, foam, or varnish form. This treatment restores the health of the tooth when the decay is done before it occurs. If the decays progress, the decayed area is taken and fillings are made according to the mold of the tooth. If the dental filling is well cared for, it can be used for many years without any problems. If it is late in the treatment of the tooth with a filling, crown veneers are made. These coatings, which have varieties such as porcelain and metal, replace the tooth. If the decay has reached the root of the tooth and damaged the nerves, root canal treatment is applied. For this treatment to be applied, the surface of the tooth must still be usable. The aim of the treatment is to remove the nerves and apply a filling in their place. Thus, rotten and damaged nerves and roots are removed. The solid part of the tooth remains. The last method of treatment is tooth extraction. This method is used when there is no more treatment available. However, when the tooth is extracted, the remaining space may disrupt the structure of other teeth. Therefore, it is recommended to apply dental implants or bridges for the remaining space. “What is good for a toothache?” When called, pain relievers are at the forefront. When dental caries cause inflammation, treatment may be delayed and in such cases, there may be intense pain. Painkillers recommended by the dentist can be used to prevent pain.
What are the methods of preventing tooth decay?
The best treatment for tooth decay is to prevent it before it occurs. Good oral and dental hygiene prevents the formation of cavities and tooth decay. It is the most effective method to take necessary hygienic precautions before decayed teeth appear. It is important to brush the teeth at night and after breakfast. Also, teeth should be brushed after consuming sugary and starchy foods. Also, rinsing the mouth with fluoride-containing mouthwash is a useful method. If brushing is not possible at the moment, gargling is an effective method. Avoiding sugary and starchy foods helps preserve the structure of the teeth. Liquids such as acidic juices can damage tooth enamel. Therefore, a dental cleaning should be done carefully after consumption of these foods. The dentist should be checked at regular intervals. The dentist will ensure that the treatment of caries that has occurred or may occur, is done quickly.
If you have tooth sensitivity and pain, you should make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. Thus, you can have healthier and well-groomed teeth and prevent tooth loss by having your necessary treatments early.
