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Dental decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common oral health condition characterized by the demineralization of tooth enamel due to acids produced by bacterial plaque. It begins with the accumulation of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on the tooth surface, which metabolizes sugars from food and produces acids. These acids gradually erode the enamel, leading to the formation of cavities or holes in the teeth. If left untreated, decay can progress deeper into the tooth, affecting the dentin and eventually reaching the pulp, causing pain, infection, and potential tooth loss. Symptoms of dental decay may include tooth sensitivity, pain when biting or chewing, visible pits or holes in the teeth, and darkening or staining of tooth surfaces. Preventive measures such as regular brushing, flossing, fluoride treatments, and dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing decay.
Dental decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a progressive process caused by the interaction of bacteria, dietary sugars, and tooth structure. It begins with the formation of plaque—a sticky biofilm containing bacteria—on tooth surfaces. When sugars from food and drinks are consumed, bacteria in plaque metabolize them, producing acids that demineralize the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. Over time, repeated acid attacks weaken the enamel, leading to the formation of cavities or holes in the tooth structure. If left untreated, decay can progress deeper into the tooth, affecting the dentin and eventually reaching the pulp, causing pain, infection, and potential tooth loss. Prevention strategies such as proper oral hygiene, fluoride treatments, and dietary modifications are essential for preventing decay and maintaining oral health. Regular dental check-ups allow for early detection and treatment of decay to prevent further damage.
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Dental decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common oral health condition characterized by the demineralization of tooth enamel due to acids produced by bacterial plaque.
Dental decay is primarily caused by the interaction of bacteria in dental plaque with sugars from food and drinks, leading to the production of acids that erode tooth enamel.
Preventive measures for dental decay include regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, consuming a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Signs of dental decay may include tooth sensitivity, pain when biting or chewing, visible pits or holes in the teeth, and darkening or staining of tooth surfaces.
In the early stages, dental decay may be reversible through remineralization, which involves the deposition of minerals back into the enamel. However, once cavities form, they cannot be reversed and require dental intervention to prevent further damage.
Treatment for dental decay typically involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the cavity with a dental filling material such as composite resin or amalgam.
Toothache can be caused by dental decay through several stages of progression as the decay penetrates deeper into the tooth structure. The closer it gets to the nerve, the more noticeable the symptoms and often it is too late to repair the tooth with just a filling and a root canal treatment may be needed.
Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when the protective layers of the teeth are compromised, affecting the underlying dentine or even the nerves within the tooth.
Advanced dental decay can result in the formation of a tooth abscess, which is a painful infection at the root of the tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. Abscesses require prompt treatment to prevent complications such as bone loss or systemic infection.
