Tooth Decay
Bacteria found in the oral cavity of every person convert all nutrients into acids. For example, the consumption of sugar-containing foods causes the bacteria in the plaque that has already formed on the teeth to produce acids that damage the tooth enamel. If these acids are not cleaned from the mouth with the help of oral care, the tooth enamel is damaged and caries occurs.
The main reason for the formation of dental caries is plaque. If the person does not clean their teeth after consuming sugary and starchy foods, the bacteria in the plaques are fed. After that, tartar forms first and then tartars appear. These tartar make plaque removal difficult and create a shield for bacteria. This is why tooth decay occurs.
What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay?
Symptoms; It varies according to the size, depth or location of the caries. People who have complaints such as toothache, cavities on the tooth, fracture of the tooth, abscess formation in the tooth or failure to fulfill the chewing function in the area where the caries is present, especially after sweet, hot-cold food or drinks, should contact a specialist.
How Is Decayed Teeth Treated?
X-ray of the teeth is helpful in detecting interface caries.
Lost tooth tissue does not regenerate, but its progression can be stopped and the lost tissue can be restored with filling materials. The main purpose of the treatment is to protect the tooth and to improve complaints such as pain and sensitivity. It is easier to treat dental caries in the early period than to treat an advanced caries. Because if caries is not intervened in time, it reaches the entire surface and root of the tooth.
If the cavities formed by the decay are just beginning, fluoride treatment is applied. This treatment should be done before the caries form. Even if the caries has progressed, fillings are made according to the mold of the tooth taken from the decayed area. However, if the person is late for all these processes and has reached the root of the decayed tooth, root canal treatment is applied. The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove the nerves and replace them with a filling. As a result of the treatment, bruised and damaged nerves and roots are removed.
Two types of fillings are used in caries treatment. These are composite filling and amalgam filling. Composite filling is a type of filling, also known as white filling. After the filling material is placed on the tooth, it is hardened with the help of a light device and then polished. The filling process is completed in a single session. It is the most preferred filling in terms of aesthetics. Amalgam filling consists of a mixture of silver, tin, copper and mercury. After this filling is done, the person should not use that area for two hours. Polishing is done 24 hours after the filling material is placed.
What Should Be Considered After Tooth Decay Treatment?
After the filling has hardened, the teeth can be brushed normally. Oral care applications such as dental floss, interface brush, mouthwash can be done. In addition, with a filled tooth, anything that a natural tooth can chew can be eaten. However, wrong movements such as breaking the shells of shelled foods with the help of teeth or trying to open any bottle caps should not be applied with natural teeth, and should be avoided in filled teeth.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
Brushing teeth at least twice a day and using dental floss regularly prevents tooth decay. A suitable toothbrush should be selected to remove food residues.
Teeth should be brushed after consuming sugary and starchy foods. If brushing is not possible for the person at the moment, rising is an effective method.
Regular dental check-ups are the best way to detect caries at an early stage.