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Tooth Decay - Prevention and Treatment

Tooth Decay is caused by a certain type of bacteria that produces acid which affects the tooth. Tooth Decay is also known as cavities or Dental caries. Tooth Decay is one of the most common health problems in the world. Although Tooth Decay is common irrespective of age and gender mostly children are found to be affected by Tooth Decay rather than adults. Eating too much of sweet (sugar) increases the chances of Tooth Decay. If left untreated Tooth Decay will result in causing pain, infection or Tooth loss.

It is always better to prevent instead of curing after getting infected. One has to follow a rigid oral hygiene and strict dietary habits. As a general thumb rule to avoid any tooth or mouth related issues one needs to follow these steps:

  1. Brushing teeth twice a day
  2. Changing the tooth-brush once in 3 months and
  3. Visiting a Dentist for dental examination.
  4. Avoid eating too much of sweets.

Tooth Decay can be treated according to the infection, tooth condition and severity. The Dentist may also examine the teeth thru X-ray which would reveal the cavities or decay in the tooth. If the cavity is in the initial stage the dentist may suggest some fluoride treatments. If the tooth is severely affected then tooth-extraction is done in order to avoid damage to other teeth or sometimes “Endodontic Therapy” also known as “Root canal therapy” is done wherein the Dentist removes the pulp from the center of the Tooth and the pulp cavity is filled. Tooth restoration or filling may also be adopted in treating Tooth Decay. In this method, the Dentist will drill away the decay from the tooth and fill it with materials like Amalgam, Composite Resin, Porcelain, Gold, Ceramics etc. Tooth cap or Crown is a treatment in which the dentist drills away the decay in tooth and covers it with metals like gold or porcelain. If the preventive measures as stated above are followed one can definitely avoid Tooth Decay and smile with their Healthy Teeth!