Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Improper oral care can lead to several dental concerns such as tooth decay, gingivitis, bad breath, dental caries, and more. Thus, it is important to take an extra effort to prevent germs and harmful bacteria from infecting your teeth & gums.
What Are Dental Caries?
Dental caries is the damage caused to the hard surface of the tooth. They are tiny holes that are formed on the tooth. This type of oral health concern is also known as dental cavities or dental decay.
When the acid in the plaque damages the outer protective layer i.e. the enamel of the tooth, one may experience the risk of tooth decay. It creates tiny holes on the surface of the tooth, also known as cavities or caries.
If the dental caries is left untreated, the infection can spread further, which can at times also lead to tooth extraction. It can happen to people of any age group and is also one of the common oral health concerns faced by individuals today.
Signs & Symptoms:
The symptoms may differ from person to person depending on the severity & intensity of the decay on the tooth.
The most common symptom is tooth pain or toothache. This pain may intensify while biting or chewing on food. One may also experience tooth sensitivity while having something hot or cold.
Another visible sign of dental caries is the occurrence of tiny holes or pits on the surface of the tooth. Black, white, or brown staining is also quite common and one of the major signs of decay or cavity.
Treatment & Prevention:
It is essential to treat your cavity or caries at an early stage to avoid further complications. Visit your dental professional if you experience any pain or witness any signs of dental caries. The dentist will be able to treat your oral problem depending on its severity and other factors including your dental health.
Some of the treatment options include tooth fillings, root canals, or dental crowns. Make sure you treat caries or decay at the earliest and inculcate proper oral care in your daily lifestyle to prevent the same.
Here are some of the tips to prevent your teeth and gums from dental caries.
1] Brush your teeth regularly using an electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush is more efficient in cleaning every corner of the mouth. Moreover, it comes with a 2-minutes timer assistance and various brushing modes to make your brushing journey a seamless ride.
2] Don't forget to floss your teeth using a water flosser®. This modern dental care solution helps in removing stuck food particles from hard-to-reach corners of the mouth, keeping it healthy & fresh at all times.
3] Always rinse your mouth with plain water to remove the loose food particles between teeth. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
4] Have a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid overconsumption of sugary food & beverages. Moreover, one must also quit smoking and consuming tobacco-based products.
5] Visit your dental professional at least once every 6 months for a regular examination of your oral health.
