Why Do Teeth Decay?
Tooth decay is a condition where the hard tissue of the tooth, enamel, underlying dentin and sometimes the hard tissue covering the root surface are damaged. People who usually consume carbohydrate foods (sugar, starch, etc.), cola and similar sugary carbonated drinks, cake, chocolate, etc. It is observed especially when sticky foods remain on the tooth surface for a long time. Bacteria in the mouth are fed with these food residues and acid is produced with the help of these microorganisms. After a while, this acidic environment causes destruction in the hard tissues of the tooth and creates dental caries.
Whose Teeth rot the most?
When sugary and floury foods are consumed, it poses a danger to everyone since cavities occur as a result of the meeting of bacteria. However, those who have high carbohydrate and sugary foods in their diets and those who have a very low fluoride content in their water that are at a much higher risk of caries. Although saliva creates a natural defense mechanism against the acid created by the bacterial plaque, it cannot prevent caries on its own. Diseases or drugs that reduce the flow and amount of saliva further accelerate the formation of caries.
Can Tooth Caries Are Prevented?
Brushing the teeth after our morning meal and before going to bed in the evening and using dental floss regularly and correctly every day is the most effective method. Appropriate toothbrush should be chosen, as food residues are mostly accumulated in the recesses of the chewing surfaces of the teeth and the interfaces where the teeth touch each other.
We should try to consume sugary foods in main meals and try not to eat anything between meals.
Regular dental check-ups are the best method for catching caries at an early stage.
In order to detect tooth decay, it is necessary to be examined by a dentist. Firstly, Dentists make a plan planning by listening to the patient’s medical history. The answer to the questions of how long the toothaches and sensitivities in last time, how often and how severe they are, that those gives information about caries to us. After this, physical imaging of the teeth is performed with special equipment. Mouth and teeth are monitored with special medical tools. Sensitivity, holes, cavities and caries in the teeth can be detected by physical examination. 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 view 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 bruises is determined. The appropriate treatment for the detected conditions is determined by the dentist. If the diagnosis and treatment is delayed, tooth loss cannot be prevented.
If you have tooth sensitivity and pain, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Thus, you can have healthier and well-groomed teeth and prevent tooth loss by having the necessary treatments done in the early period.