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Tooth Decay, or dental caries, is the gradual destruction of tooth structure caused by acids produced when bacteria in plaque break down sugars in the mouth. Symptoms can include toothache, sensitivity, and visible cavities. Prevention involves regular brushing, flossing, dental check-ups, and a balanced diet, while treatment typically includes fillings to repair the damage.
Tooth Decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common oral health issue characterised by the gradual destruction of the tooth structure. It occurs due to the interaction between bacteria, sugars, and acids in the mouth.
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, adheres to the teeth, producing acids that gradually erode the enamel – the protective outer layer of the tooth. Over time, this erosion leads to the formation of small holes or cavities in the tooth. Factors contributing to tooth decay include poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages, inadequate Fluoride exposure, and a lack of regular dental care.
Symptoms may vary, but commonly include toothache, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, visible pits or holes in the teeth, and discoloration. Early detection and treatment by a dentist, which often involve fillings to repair the damaged tooth structure, are crucial to prevent further decay and preserve dental health.
Implementing good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, alongside a balanced diet, is essential in preventing tooth decay and maintaining optimal oral health.
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, refers to the deterioration of tooth tissue by the action of cariogenic bacteria.
Shortly after teeth emerge from the gums, germs in the mouth quickly adhere to them and begin to proliferate. When left undisturbed, these germs form a cohesive white layer of bacteria known as dental plaque on the surface of the tooth.
The bacteria present in dental plaque thrive on sugars in our diet. When we consume sugary foods or drinks, these bacteria feed on the sugars and subsequently produce acid as a waste product. This acid weakens enamel by eroding mineral from its surface. Over a period, typically spanning several years, unchecked acid exposure can create a cavity by dissolving a hole through the enamel. This allows bacteria to penetrate the softer dentine layer, resulting in tooth decay.
Areas where dental plaque remains undisturbed are more prone to developing tooth decay. These areas typically encompass the uneven biting surfaces of the back teeth and the spaces between teeth, as they are challenging to clean thoroughly. Implementing proper tooth brushing methods and interdental cleaning can notably reduce the likelihood of dental decay in these specific locations.
Tooth decay is the most prevalent oral disease worldwide. Despite being largely preventable, nearly nine out of ten adults and over half of children under 16 years old will encounter some form of caries, leading to procedures such as fillings and extractions. This prevalence is often attributed to the significant presence of simple sugars or refined carbohydrates in the human diet, combined with inadequate oral hygiene practices. While the ramifications of tooth decay seldom pose life-threatening risks, its impact on daily life can be substantial.
Indications of tooth decay include:
Early stages of tooth decay are typically symptom-free. However, as the decay progresses into the dentine, specific scenarios alert individuals to a potential dental issue:
In both these scenarios non-invasive treatment options are no longer suitable and a filling is usually required.
Advanced dental decay often leads to severe inflammation and death of the pulp, following a period of painful pulpitis. In some cases, teeth may experience minimal or no pain before the pulp becomes infected. Bacterial infection in the pulp space may spread to the root’s surrounding bone, resulting in a periapical abscess, causing extreme pain while biting. Interestingly, pain may temporarily improve as bone destruction allows trapped infection to drain under the gum. Treatment options for a periapical abscess typically involve root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
To prevent tooth decay:
Regular dental check-ups are crucial as they enable the dental team to detect early signs of potential tooth decay, such as chalky, whitish, or grey shadows on biting surfaces or between teeth, and recommend appropriate interventions. In addition to offering guidance on diet, dental hygiene tools, and cleaning techniques, your dental team might recommend using Fluoride varnishes and mouthwashes to reinforce areas with weakened enamel.
The primary natural defence mechanism of the body against early tooth decay is saliva. It contains compounds that neutralise the acids produced by bacteria. Moreover, saliva also carries minerals that aid in the repair and fortification of enamel, contributing to its strength and resilience. If you notice that your mouth has become drier than usual you may be at increased risk of suffering tooth decay and should discuss this with your dentist.
Treatment for tooth decay varies based on the extent of the decay and the condition of the pulp – whether it is alive, inflamed, or dead. The primary goal is to eliminate existing decay, restore damaged teeth, and mitigate factors that trap plaque, thereby reducing the risk of further decay.
The best scenario for treating tooth decay is to identify the lesion as early as possible to minimise the necessity for large fillings. Enamel lesions, if detected early, can often remain intact indefinitely and may not require a filling if maintained with regular cleaning and strengthened with Fluoride from toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental varnish.
If decay has penetrated the dentine, the infected portion needs removal, followed by placing a filling. The choice of filling material depends on cavity location and severity. When decay affects the pulp, special dressings might be used to protect it or, in severe cases, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove an infected or dying pulp. In instances where decay has extensively damaged the tooth and insufficient healthy tooth structure remains, an extraction may be unavoidable.
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Once your order has been approved by our prescriber, your treatment is then dispensed, packaged, and posted by our regulated pharmacy partner. Your order will arrive as quickly as the next day depending on your selected delivery option.
You can be confident that your treatment will be 100% genuine, safe, and effective as we only use medications procured from licensed manufacturers and trusted UK wholesalers.
Rest assured that your treatment will be delivered in plain packaging for complete discretion.
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