Tooth Decay: All you need to know About by Family dentist Brampton

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in our mouths. These microorganisms feed on sugar and subsequently produce acidic droppings. 

So, the more they "eat", the more they produce excreta... It is these acidic substances that attack tooth enamel, little by little. Once the enamel layer becomes very thin, the acids attack the tooth itself, causing cavities to form.

Causes of tooth decay

A popular cause of tooth decay is formed mainly because of sugar... says "Family dentist in Brampton".

"Don't eat too much sugary, or you will get cavities" is a phrase we have heard dozens of times in our childhood and which we gladly repeat. To our children. 

Here is some of the example of causes of tooth decay

The quality of tooth enamel

We are unfortunately not all equal! The enamel layer which covers our teeth is more or less thick and it, therefore, becomes more or less easy to "pierce" by the acid excrement of bacteria. 

Sad to say, but there is a part of genetics and luck (or bad luck) to it. Also, certain habits (tobacco, heavy consumption of alcohol and/or drugs) can weaken tooth enamel.

Recommended to read: HOW TO STRENGTHEN TOOTH ENAMEL

The natural acidity of saliva

Again, this is "luck." We don't all have the same pH in our saliva. If this is below 5.5, the demineralization of the tooth (i.e. the disintegration of the enamel) will occur more quickly.

Saliva production

It is proven that people who produce a lot of water tend to have less tooth decay because the liquid circulates in the mouth and naturally cleanses germs and acids.

The structure and position of the teeth

Although all dentitions are the same, they also have minimal differences that can have a big impact on the formation of tooth decay. 

People whose teeth are very tight against each other or whose molars are difficult to reach with manual brushing are more likely to have cavities. 

It is more difficult to clean certain areas, and they, therefore, become "nests" for bacteria.

Eating habits

The consumption of sugars is partly responsible for the appearance of dental caries. However, sugar is not always where you think it is! Dentist in Brampton recommends drinking a glass of milk before going to sleep and going to bed without brushing your teeth afterward is just as bad (if not more) than a chocolate bar in the afternoon! 

A “normal” sugar consumption (we understand, not to binge on candy all day long) is not bad. Much more than eating sugar, it is the fact of letting it “stagnate” in the mouth that is problematic.

Certain periods of life

There are times when we become more or less sensitive to tooth decay. 

This is particularly the case during adolescence, menopause, and pregnancy. 

This is due, among other things, to hormonal fluctuations that modify the acidity in the mouth and decrease salivary production.

The kinds of bacteria

Bacteria in the mouth are not the same in different people ... Some produce less acidity than others.

And of course ... oral hygiene!

Who is affected by tooth decay? What are the risk factors?

Anyone can get tooth decay, but certain factors make the risk hire:

• Heredity
• Age: children, adolescents and the elderly are more sensitive to it.
• Poor oral hygiene.
• A poor diet
• Certain eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia.
• Frequent gastroesophageal reflux disease (due to acidity)

Contagion

Tooth decay is not contagious.

The main symptoms of tooth decay

The symptoms of tooth decay of tooth decay are variable and usually become more and more painful as they progress. They include:

• Sensitive teeth.
• Tooth pain of varying intensity.
• Pain when biting into hard food.
• Black dots on the affected tooth.
• Pus around the tooth.

Diagnosis of tooth decay

A Dentist in Brampton or even a dental hygienist can identify tooth decay with a simple routine exam.

Possible risks of complications

An untreated cavity causes pain that is often intolerable; it is the famous "toothache." 

This is usually accompanied by an abscess, which is an infection. Antibiotics must be taken to clear the pain and infection. If we wait until this stage, it is usually necessary to devitalize the affected tooth and extract it.

Tooth decay treatment

Cavities that are treated before they reach the nerve are easily treated. The dentist should remove all affected parts with a special tool, and then fill the cavity with amalgam or composite.

Prevention of tooth decay

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to have exemplary dental hygiene:

• Brush your teeth after each meal, ideally 3 times a day, with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss regularly.
• Avoid snacking on foods that get stuck between your teeth.

Visit the Family dentist in Brampton for check-ups and tartar cleanings twice a year.