Tooth decay is something that will affect most people at some point during their lifetime. Although initially, decay causes fairly mild symptoms, unless treated fairly quickly it can lead to serious consequences for the function of your teeth and the way that they look.

Let’s take a look at the causes of tooth decay and what can be done if you are diagnosed with it.

What is Tooth Decay and What Causes it?

In a nutshell, tooth decay refers to damage to teeth which is caused by dental plaque turning sugars into acids that erode the teeth.

Our mouths are full of bacteria. Whenever we eat anything that contains sugars/carbohydrates, the bacteria interact with the sugars to create a thin, sticky, and transparent film that continuously forms on our teeth. This substance is known as plaque. Contained within the plaque are the bacteria, which also excrete acids. It’s these acids that are responsible for eroding the layers of the teeth and causing areas of decay.

Teeth are made of several different layers. The outermost layer, the enamel, is the hardest to penetrate. However, once the decay gets through, it exposes the softer, inner layers of the teeth which are more sensitive. When this happens, the decay becomes painful.  

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can cause patients to experience a range of different symptoms. These usually start off mildly, but then get progressively worse without treatment. Some of the most common signs of tooth decay include:

• Toothache: This can be anything from a dull, continuous ache that keeps you awake at night or makes it hard to function in the day, to an occasional sharp pain, especially when you are eating
   

• Tooth sensitivity: This is where patients experience tenderness of pain when they eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet
   

• Dark spots: Will usually appear as brown, grey, or black spots on the teeth
   

• Bad breath
   

• An unpleasant taste in your mouth

Without treatment, decay can become serious enough to cause teeth to erode away, break, or, if the root becomes infected, fall out completely.

Is Tooth Decay Reversible?

Like any other dental issue, the earlier decay is detected, the easier it is to deal with, and the less likely there is to be any long-term consequences.

Tooth decay is only reversible when it affects the outermost layer (the enamel) of the teeth. Once it progresses to the middle layer of the tooth, called the dentin, it is irreversible. This is because it is possible to replace the minerals in enamel that are lost thanks to decay, enabling the tooth to repair itself and heal.

Tips for Reversing Tooth Decay in the Early Stages

Fortunately, there is a range of things that can be done to help halt the progression of an early cavity or to reverse the damage that has already been occurred. These include:

• Using fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that can stop tooth decay from progressing. That’s because fluoride replaces lost minerals and reduces the ability of bacteria to make tooth-eroding acids
   

• Limit sugary foods: As we know, it’s sugars that trigger the production and subsequent effects of plaque. By limiting your intake of sugary foods, you can reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth and give them chance to repair themselves
   

• Brush & floss regularly: Brush your teeth properly and don’t forget to floss! Brushing and flossing your teeth are two of the best ways of preventing and overcoming early-stage dental decay. Both clean the teeth, removing bacteria-filled plaque before it starts to damage your teeth. Use fluoride toothpaste (just a pea-sized amount for children) and brush twice every day, once in the morning and once before bed. Floss daily as well
   

• Visit your dentist regularly: They can spot dental decay even when you can’t and can diagnose it at the earliest stage, when it is more likely to be able to be reversed

If you would like to find out more about tooth decay, or if you have concerns about the health of your teeth, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced dental team at Riverview Dental in Corunna, Michigan at 989.743.4851 today.