What is the cause of tooth decay?

What do you know about tooth decay? What factors cause this complication? Are the symptoms of caries in the front teeth different from the back teeth? In this article from GCORP LLC, we will examine this issue and introduce you to the ways to treat it.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in the world.... Tooth decay is actually caused by a series of cavities in the teeth, which eventually creates holes or pores on the surface of the tooth.... This problem can occur in all people and at any age, even children and minors, and affects their dental health.

Tooth decay can cause pain and infection... In fact, tooth decay starts from the early stages and due to lack of treatment and lack of compliance with the principles of oral and dental hygiene, it gradually increases and affects the deeper layers of the tooth.

This problem can lead to severe tooth pain, infection and eventually tooth loss.... Regular visits to the dentist, regular and correct brushing and flossing habits can protect people from tooth decay.

Read more: Oral hygiene and everything you need to know about it

Class types of tooth decay

Tooth decay can be classified according to stages or class of decay. These stages include the following:

Class one: superficial visible decay

This stage describes the level of tooth decay that occurs on the surfaces of the tooth that the dentist can easily see... This category includes cavities on the chewing surfaces of back teeth such as molars and premolars (small molars) and decay on either side of the front teeth.

Class two: invisible superficial caries

At this stage, cavities are formed on the surfaces between the molars and premolars and are not visible to the human eye.

Class three: interdental caries

This decay occurs in the surfaces between the front teeth, but does not involve the cutting edges of the teeth.... Similar to the second stage, decay is not visible in this classification.

Class four: caries up to the edge of the tooth

This decay also occurs on the surfaces between the front teeth, but it also affects the cutting edges of the teeth.

Class five: caries up to the gum line

At this stage, cavities appear in front or behind the front or back teeth, near the gum line.

Class 6: major tooth decay

This decay can be seen on the upper surface of the teeth, both on the incisal edges (4 upper and lower anterior teeth) and on the tips of the posterior teeth.

The cause of tooth decay

Many factors can cause tooth decay. The main causes of tooth decay are:

• Improper nutrition
• Bacteria
• Non-observance of oral and dental hygiene
• gum disease
• The presence of crooked teeth that are more difficult to clean
• Smoking
• Using medications such as asthma medications that cause dry mouth
• Severe blows to the teeth

Tooth decay is caused by plaque, a sticky layer of microbes in the mouth... The sugar in the food and drinks that a person consumes is converted into acid by plaque microbes and gradually damages the teeth.

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How does tooth decay occur?

Actually, the process of caries is like this, first dental plaque, which is a sticky and transparent layer, covers the teeth... This is usually caused by consuming too much sugar and starch and not removing them.

At the next stage, oral and dental bacteria start to feed on these plaques and gradually harden on the teeth and turn into mass. The acids in these plaques gradually destroy the hard and outer enamel of the tooth, and this erosion creates pores or small holes in the tooth enamel.

Wisdom tooth decay

Usually the location of the tooth is one of the effective factors in causing tooth decay... Decay often occurs in the back teeth of people, especially molars and wisdom teeth. These teeth have many grooves, cavities and roots that can collect food particles.

Usually, it is very difficult to keep these teeth clean, especially the wisdom teeth, which are much harder to access and the toothbrush cannot reach them easily, and for this reason, the risk of their decay is higher. Therefore, decay is more common in the back teeth.

Front tooth decay

It is true that tooth decay mostly affects the back teeth, but the front teeth can also suffer from decay.... If the front teeth are damaged, the same symptoms of pain, tooth sensitivity and the appearance of stains and decay are observed on the teeth.

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But there is a worse problem with the decay of these teeth, and that is the very unfavorable effect that decayed front teeth have on the appearance and smile of people... Therefore, the treatments needed to remove the decay of front teeth are very important and this problem must be solved immediately... If the front teeth are decayed, it will have a very negative effect on reducing people's self-confidence.

Symptoms and symptoms of tooth decay

Tooth decay, like any other disease, is characterized by a series of signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms of decay vary depending on their size and location. Usually, when a cavity is created on the hard surface of the tooth, it has no symptoms. As the level of tooth decay increases, the symptoms may also intensify and show different symptoms:

• toothache and pain that occurs suddenly without any reason or background
• Sensitivity when eating and drinking sweet things or hot and cold drinks
• Create a visible hole or cavity
• The appearance of brown, black or white spots on the tooth surface
Red and swollen gums
• Bad breath
• The presence of an unpleasant taste in the mouth

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To prevent tooth decay

There are ways and methods to prevent tooth decay.

To brush your teeth

Brushing is one of these things that is very important.... You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and every day for two minutes with a toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride.

Decreasing consumption of sweet foods and carbonated drinks

To prevent tooth decay, it is better to avoid sweet foods and carbonated drinks as much as possible and replace these drinks with water.

Healthy diet

Having a healthy diet is also very important.... The diet must be completely healthy and balanced and provide all the nutrients the body needs.... less consumption of snacks and sweets and... can also prevent tooth decay.

Regular dental examinations

Another important point to prevent tooth decay is regular dental checkups.. Many experts recommend that you visit the dentist every 6 months and make sure your teeth are healthy.. especially since decay in the first stages has no symptoms...

Fixing tooth decay

In order to remove tooth decay, one must see where the decay is and at what level and severity the teeth are decayed.... This issue can be very important in choosing the type of treatment to remove decay.... Home treatments and specialized treatments in the dental office are among these options.

Treatment of tooth decay

Treatment of tooth decay depends on the stage of the disease... It is usually possible to stop the presence of decay in the early stages or even treat it.... If the level of decay is mild, it can usually be treated using fluoride and a series of preventive measures... To detect decay in these early stages, the dentist usually uses a simple examination or X-ray...

Treatment of tooth decay with sealant

One of the specialized methods of treating tooth decay in the dental office is to use a special sealant layer on the surface of healthy back teeth to prevent decay from reaching other teeth. Also, the decayed teeth are covered with fluoride gel to strengthen the tooth enamel and help protect the teeth.

Tooth filling

Filling is also one of the treatments that is considered to remove tooth decay, especially in advanced and more severe stages, in order to restore the structure of the teeth.... In this treatment, the decay is removed and the holes are filled or covered with special materials.

Learn more: How is tooth filling done?

Root treatment

In some cases, root canal treatment is also needed to remove decay and treat problems... especially when the decay has spread to the center of the tooth where the blood and nerves are located, root canal treatment will also be needed.

Extraction of the whole or a large part of the tooth

Finally, for treatment, the dentist may remove all or part of the damaged decayed tooth... This is done when the tooth is completely damaged and cannot be repaired... As a result of this work, the options of prosthesis, dental bridge or implant can be considered... Due to the failure of the front teeth, it is necessary to use dental veneers to restore the very beautiful appearance of the teeth.

home treatment of tooth decay

1. The most important option in the home treatment of tooth decay is to pay attention to the diet... Reducing sugar consumption and observing the principles of oral and dental hygiene are among these options.
2. Using mouthwash and toothpaste containing fluoride to eliminate decay can also be used in the early stages of tooth decay.
3. Consumption of vitamin D and calcium can also help strengthen teeth and reduce their decay.
4. Using sugar-free gums can also help restore tooth enamel and is therefore considered a home remedy for tooth decay.
5. Using vegetable oils such as sesame oil, coconut oil, and the like can be considered as a home method to remove tooth decay... Just swirl these oils in your mouth for 20 minutes and then spit.... It seems that this method can be effective in reducing plaque, gingivitis and reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth.

Licorice root is another option that can be used at home as a way to treat decayed teeth. According to one study, licorice root extract can fight the bacteria responsible for cavities that lead to decay.

Children's tooth decay

Children also suffer from tooth decay... especially children who brush their teeth less or eat more sweets and snacks.... Children's teeth have softer and thinner enamel.... This is why tooth decay is much easier and more common in children.

Feeding a child before going to sleep is also one of the main causes of tooth decay in them... When babies are given glasses full of milk, powdered milk, fruit juice or other liquids containing sugar before going to sleep, these drinks remain on their teeth for hours while they sleep and feed the bacteria that cause decay... This damage is often called baby bottle decay

. Tooth decay in children is prevented... Children's teeth should be cleaned twice a day as much as possible... On the other hand, the consumption of sweets and sweet drinks and fruit juice should be limited in them.

Treatment of tooth decay in children

Treatment of tooth decay in children is very important, especially since this problem can cause many complications for them.... Regarding the treatment of tooth decay in children, you should consult a pediatric dentist.. You can also talk to the online dentist of GCORP LLC about your problem and get guidance.

Approximately, the treatments performed for children are not much different from the treatment of tooth decay in adults... Fluoride therapy, tooth filling and root canal treatment are also performed in children... Extraction of decayed baby teeth is also part of the treatment performed for children.

Complications of tooth decay

Mild to severe pain is one of the main complications of this disease... But its complications are different in different people.

Among the most common complications of tooth decay, the following can be mentioned:

• oral body odor
• spread of infection to the gums
• Bleeding gums
• Sensitivity of the teeth

The worst complications can be seen in children and minors.. In children, the complications of tooth decay can negatively affect the child's growth and nutrition.. In addition, decay in children can have negative effects on children's speech and even cause problems in the development of their jaws. The future.

Frequently asked questions about tooth decay

Is the use of breast milk effective in preventing tooth decay in children?

Yes; Breast milk is rich in nutrients, and experts believe that the consumption of breast milk by a child can have a greater impact on the health of his teeth and by strengthening the gums and teeth, it can greatly reduce the risk of tooth decay.

When should you visit a dentist to treat tooth decay?

Usually, people are not aware of cavities in the dental surfaces.... That is why it is important to take regular examinations seriously, even when there is no problem with the teeth, going to the dentist and doing a checkup is very effective.

But if you have a toothache or pain in the mouth and gums, it is better to see your dentist as soon as possible... especially if you see common symptoms of tooth decay, you should see a dentist as soon as possible... Get advice from a doctor through online consultation with a dentist and get a visit faster.... In the panel of GCORP LLC doctors, you can find the best endodontist and dentist in Tehran or other cities.