Poor dental hygiene leads to several oral health problems such as bad breath, cavities, gum diseases, and tooth decay amongst others.
Tooth decay is an oral health concern where an individual experiences damage to certain areas of the tooth surface. A decayed tooth causes damage to the enamel, which is the outer protective layer of the tooth. If left untreated, it can further cause several serious dental concerns by damaging the deeper layers of the tooth including the dentin and pulp. It can also result in dental cavities and in severe cases, tooth loss.
In this blog, we'll talk about the various treatment and prevention methods to solve the concern of decaying of the tooth.
If you witness any pain, discomfort, or signs of decaying, it is advisable to visit your dentist at the earliest. This will help in treating the decay of the tooth at an early stage, avoiding further complications and severe dental treatments. Some of the methods that can be used by your dental professional, depending on the severity of the damage to the tooth are as follows:
1] Fluoride Treatment: This method is particularly used to cure decay at an early stage. Fluoride is essential as it helps in strengthening the enamel of the tooth and it can also assist in making the tooth resistant to the acids that are formed from the plaque build-up in the mouth. These acids then further lead to the decaying of the tooth. Thus, a fluoride treatment helps in restoring the enamel of the tooth at the early stage of the oral concern.
2] Dental Fillings: In this method, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth tissue and will fill the same in order to prevent it from further damage. Several types of materials are used for these fillings which include porcelain, gold, tooth-colored composite resins, and more.
3] Root Canal: If the decay reaches the inner layer of the tooth i.e. the pulp, then one may require a root canal. In this procedure, the decayed pulp will be removed by the dentist. The tooth will then be cleaned and filled with a filling.
4] Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, when the damage to the tooth cannot be treated, your dental professional may suggest you remove the tooth itself. The missing tooth can then be replaced by either a dental implant or bridge, depending on your oral health requirement.
Please note that your dental professional will be able to advise you on the best treatment option for a decayed tooth, depending on the health of your teeth and gums.
Along with this, it is ideal to prevent the decaying of the tooth by taking the right measures for your oral health.
1] Use an electric brush and dental flosser to clean your teeth and gums twice a day to remove all the germs and plaque build-up from the mouth. These modern oral care solutions offer a more deep cleansing between the teeth and they are much more convenient to use than regular manual brushes and thread flossers. Always use an electric brush and a dental flosser that best fits your oral health goals.
2] Maintain a well-balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense food items. Limit consumption of sugary food and beverages. Along with this, it is always advisable to quit smoking and tobacco consumption for better dental and overall health.
3] Rinse the mouth with plain water after eating. This helps in removing the loosened food residues from the mouth. It also helps in washing away any acids from the teeth which can weaken the tooth enamel.
4] Visit the dentist once every 6 months for a regular checkup of your oral health. This will help the dental professional to examine the mouth and if needed, treat any dental concern at an early stage.
