Tooth Decay, also known as a cavity. Usually, people think only children get tooth decay, which is not absolutely true. All of us are at risk of it our whole lives. But there is good news which can give you a bit of relief is that the cavity can be prevented. A healthy oral care routine and making smart food choices can reduce your risk for a cavity. So, continue reading about it.

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What is Tooth Decay?

It is a dental disease which breaks down and damaged teeth. A tooth has a hard outer layer which is known as enamel, a middle layer as dentin and center layer as pulp. The more layers affected by decay, the worse the damage.

If the cavity is not treated, it can lead to pain, the spread of infection, loss of teeth and loss of self-confidence. People with tooth pain often cannot eat or sleep properly and may miss days of work or school. And it is not only unhealthy, but it also looks bad.

A pus-filled sac medically known as abscess damages from a cavity can cause serious or even life-threatening infections if not treated properly. It is much simpler to prevent tooth decay than to repair or replace a decayed tooth.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

The teeth are covered by a sticky film of bacteria known as plaque. After the meal, the bacteria turn the sugars in drinks and foods into acid. This acid attacks the tooth enamel.

When you consume sugary foods or drinks several times a day, or if you sip on the same drink for longer periods of time, then acid attacks your tooth enamel again and again. The acid eats the tooth and can cause decay. A hole form which is called a cavity.

Who Gets Tooth Decay?

As we discussed people of all ages can get tooth decay. But your risk can increase if you:

• often if you drink or eat sugary foods and drinks

• Have a dry mouth from medicines

• Have weak enamel due to some childhood illness or genetics

• Don’t brush twice every day with a fluoride toothpaste

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Can Tooth Decay be Prevented?

Yes. of course you can prevent it if you

• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping on sugary drinks and foods.

• Drink water that has fluoride.

• Visit your dentist regularly to examine and professional teeth cleaning.

• Ask your dentist if dental sealants are right for you.

Your saliva can also help to prevent cavity. It reduces acid damage to a tooth by washing away sugary foods, sticky. Saliva helps to makes the acid weaker. Chewing sugarless gum after consuming food can increase saliva flow and help rinse away sugars. The minerals in saliva can also help to repair the tooth.

How is Tooth Decay Treated?

Treatment depends on the time when the tooth decay has diagnosed. Before cavities form, fluoride treatments can also solve the problem. But, If once you have a cavity, you’ll need a filling. A large cavity can need a crown to replace the decayed part of the tooth. If the pulp of your tooth is involved, root canal treatment can be the last chance to save your tooth. And the last, a badly damaged tooth might have to be pulled and replaced.

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About Dr. P. S. Ahuja: Dr. P. S. Ahuja is a well-known dentist with 13 years of experience, studied from the Manipal University, which is well known worldwide for its quality in teaching and training dentists. You can book an online appointment.