Did you know that almost everyone has had tooth decay at some point? The real question is, are you catching it early or letting it turn into a bigger problem? Hi, this is Dr. Ro here.
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay happens when bacteria in your mouth feeds on sugar and starchy food you eat, and they go to the bathroom to pee and poop in the form of acid. This acid slowly tears down the outer layer of your tooth called enamel. If left untreated, this decay gets deeper, reaching into the nerve, which can cause serious pain and infections. The main causes of tooth decay are eating sugary or starchy foods, not brushing and flossing regularly, and skipping dental checkups.
How can you prevent tooth decay?
Think of it like this: if you spill a soda on a table and don't wipe it up, it gets sticky and attracts bugs. The same thing happens to your teeth when food and plaque aren't cleansed regularly and properly. Common signs of tooth decay include sensitivity to hot and cold and sweets. It also causes bad breath. If tooth decay is not treated, it can lead to bigger problems like infections, abscesses, and even losing your tooth. Decay doesn't stop on its own; it marches on and keeps getting larger if you don't take care of it.
Can tooth decay be reversed?
In the very early stages, tooth decay can be reversed with fluoride, which helps rebuild enamel. But once a cavity punctures enamel and into the dentin, you guessed it, it's time for drill and fill. When the decay reaches the nerve within the tooth, that's right, it's root canal time. So let's stop decay when it is small and manageable. Better yet, brush twice a day, floss daily, and have regular dental visits to avoid decay altogether.