Hi, Dr. Matheson here from Matheson Dentistry. Today, we're going to talk about a topic that we get many questions about, and that is tooth decay. Hopefully, by answering some of these common questions, we'll help you have a better understanding of tooth decay.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in your mouth combine with the foods you eat and produce acid. This acid pulls the minerals out of our teeth. At a certain point in that demineralization process, the tooth cavitates; it breaks in, creating a cavity. The bacteria then flood into the tooth, causing further issues. The cavity will continue to grow until you physically remove it.
What causes dental decay?
Dental decay is caused by bacteria or germs that naturally reside in our mouths. They thrive when they have food, particularly high in carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates like sugars, candy, cookies, and soda pop. These foods enable the bacteria to cause cavities in our mouths.
What are the signs of tooth decay?
Often, when you first get a cavity, there are no signs or symptoms, and you might not even know you have one. It's not until the cavity grows and gets bigger that you'll start to feel something, often cold sensitivity. Eating ice cream or drinking something cold may cause a zing. Sweet foods can also cause a zing in your tooth, sometimes referred to as a sweet tooth. Once you start feeling it, it's often too late for just a filling; you may need a root canal or a crown, or both. That's why it's crucial to come in every six months for a routine dental checkup so we can catch small cavities before they worsen.
What are the effects of tooth decay?
The effects of tooth decay can start small and simple, but can escalate significantly. If we catch tooth decay early, we can usually address it with a simple filling during your six-month cleaning. However, if the decay isn't found or fixed in time, it can grow into a much bigger problem. If the cavity reaches the tooth's nerve, you'll experience severe pain, prompting an urgent call to the dentist. Therefore, it's essential to have regular checkups every six months to catch cavities early.
Can tooth decay lead to other complications?
Tooth decay can indeed lead to other complications. If a cavity continues to grow unchecked, it can infect the tooth's nerve or root canal area, killing the tooth. Bacteria can then spill into the tooth, replicate, and spread out the end, causing an infection in the bone holding the tooth. This infection can spread, causing noticeable swelling, such as a large bump on the cheek. To prevent this, regular six-month checkups are vital.
At what point is tooth decay irreversible?
Tooth decay becomes irreversible when it has destroyed so much of the tooth that there's nothing left to save. While tooth replacement is possible, it's better to prevent reaching this stage. Regular six-month checkups are crucial for detecting cavities early.
Can tooth decay return to normal?
Tooth decay doesn't return to normal on its own. When a cavity is just starting, there are minimal interventions we can take to stop its spread. This is the best way to handle a cavity, as it will continue to progress until it causes pain.
What are some treatments for tooth decay?
Treatment for tooth decay varies with its severity. At the very beginning of a cavity, we can sometimes treat it medically and reverse the process. This is why regular six-month checkups are essential. If a cavity progresses further, a filling is necessary. If it progresses even more, a crown is needed. If it reaches the tooth's nerve, a root canal is required.
How do I stop tooth decay from spreading?
The best way to stop tooth decay from spreading is to visit the dentist every six months. We will take X-rays and ensure there is no tooth decay. If decay is present, we can take simple steps to stop it early and prevent more extensive, time-consuming, and costly procedures.
Is tooth decay painful?
Initially, tooth decay is not painful. It's usually asymptomatic until it's too late. As it progresses, you may experience temperature or sweet sensitivity, indicating that more than just a filling may be needed.
When should I see a dentist about treating tooth decay?
You should visit the dentist every six months to check for tooth decay and other issues. We also check for gum disease, perform oral cancer screenings, and assess your bite. Regular checkups help catch tooth decay early.
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions today about tooth decay. If you have any further questions, I would love to talk to you about it. Give us a call here at Matheson Dentistry at (480) 888-8123. We can sit down, take some X-rays, and examine your mouth to ensure you don't have any tooth decay. Hope to see you at our office soon.