Plaque Disclosing

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria that live in the mouth, and are an essential part of helping us to digest our food, create acid. Like all acids, it eats away at the surface of the tooth, allowing infection to set in.

Teeth have three layers:

• The hard enamel on the outside
• The middle layer of dentin
• The pulp at the centre of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels

As the acid eats away at the layers, the decay is able to reach deeper into the tooth and cause more serious damage. Sometimes the damage is so extensive that the tooth can’t be saved.

Tooth Decay Causes

Plaque build-up and the bacteria that it houses may be the villains of tooth decay, but it is dry mouth that creates the circumstances that allow them to flourish.

A dry mouth does not produce the saliva needed to wash away food debris and reduce plaque. Drinking plenty of water or even chewing sugar-free gum can help to prevent dry mouth.

Know The Symptoms

Like most oral health problems, they’re often not noticeable until a lot of damage has been done. The best thing you can do is to have six monthly check-ups to keep on top of things and catch any issues as they emerge.

You should monitor for the following symptoms between visits and book an appointment with your dentist immediately if you notice any of them.

• Toothache
• Gum swelling
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• White, grey, brown, or black spots on your teeth

Tooth Decay Treatment

If prevention hasn’t worked, and your dentist finds tooth decay, there are several treatment options that your dentist will discuss with you. The type of treatment that they recommend will depend on the type of damage and its extent.

• Filling. We fill the hole and restore the tooth to its original shape. Usually best for minor tooth decay.
• A crown. A thin layer shaped to fit over the tooth to protect it from further damage. We usually recommend this for moderate damage, where a larger part of the tooth needs to be replaced.
• Root Canal. If the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth and caused it to become infected.
• Extraction. We don’t like removing teeth, but sometimes there is no choice if the damage has extended all the way to the root or the tooth has become so extensively damaged that it cannot be repaired.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Prevention is always better than cure, so we recommend you take the following steps at home to ensure your teeth stay in the best possible condition.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss twice a day.
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks (your waist will also thank you)
• Don’t eat snacks before bed
• Have a six-monthly check-up so we can get on top of any issues before they cause damage.

Contact us straight away if you get a toothache or notice any other problems.

Fluoride application

Fluoride is a word that gets bandied about quite a bit in relation to oral health. So, what is it and why is it important?

Fluoride is a mineral found in sea water, some soil and air. It helps to strengthen teeth which, in turn, helps to prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride and oral health

Tooth decay starts when the bacteria in your mouth use the sugars and starches in food to produce acid. That acid breaks down the minerals that protect the surface of your teeth and eventually eat through the too, sometimes all the way through to the root.

Fluoride re-mineralises the surface of your teeth, protecting them from acid damage. That is why fluoride is added to our domestic water supply. Yet another good reason to drink plenty of tap water.

You can also boost the amount of fluoride on your teeth by brushing twice a day with a good quality fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride varnish can also be used to help strengthen adult and children’s teeth. Ask your dentist about this option during your next check-up.

Our dentists can also apply a fluoride gel or foam during your check-up. It can be used in anyone over the age of 10.