Dental repair is definitely not a pleasant experience, especially if you are afraid of dentists. If you want to avoid this painful process, it is important to maintain the hygiene of your teeth. To minimize the chances of caries formation, learn all about caries, the symptoms it causes, prevention measures and treatment.

Do not forget that bacteria that are on the inner layers of the teeth can lead to infection, as well as to the destruction of tooth tissue. If adequate treatment is not carried out, caries will lead to tooth loss, bone decay and periodontal infections. Therefore, visit the dentist as soon as possible if you notice signs of caries, because in that case you will receive treatment before the condition worsens.

Caries symptoms

It is difficult to notice caries at the very beginning because you will not have clear symptoms. Although there are no symptoms at the beginning of tooth decay, you will probably feel pain in the tooth after a while. In addition, you will probably have an increased sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets. If you do not start dental treatment, the infection worsens and pus appears. This condition can lead to pain, swelling of the teeth and fever. However, you can still detect it at an early stage if you go for regular dental checkups. The expert will immediately notice a white stain on the tooth. If caries has spread, dark spots, spots or holes appear in the tooth. In addition, the dentist can check for soft or sticky parts by touch, which also indicates the presence of an infection.

Tooth imaging is another reliable method that will show the cause of tooth decay. We must note that the initial symptoms may occur occasionally, but sometimes they have their own continuity. This means that the consequences will be more serious. If you notice smaller or larger grayish holes, make an appointment with a dentist immediately. Toothache is another symptom that you should not ignore. Pressure or discomfort when chewing can indicate a problem with caries, and if it has been there for a long time, it can cause more serious symptoms. For example, it could be severe swelling of the face, cheeks or lips. Jaw bone pain is also a symptom.

Treatment

When caries progresses, a hole is created in the tooth and every dentist solves this problem very quickly. Mostly the hole is filled with a certain material or seal. Before that, the tooth and the cavity are thoroughly cleaned. The material that fills the cavity releases fluoride ions and they aim to prevent further spread of caries. However, if the problem is more serious and extends to the center of the tooth or nerve, a different approach is necessary. In such a situation, the dentist will recommend adequate therapy to cure the tooth root.

This type of therapy involves a drug that is based on calcium hydroxide, and its task is to regenerate the tooth. Only after that the cavity is filled with a seal. Unfortunately, caries sometimes progresses so much that it affects an entire tooth or a larger part. Then it is necessary to remove the tooth or the affected part, because nothing else helps.

Caries prevention

There are many factors that affect the appearance of caries. The most common cause is food debris between the teeth or on the teeth. If you have not established adequate hygiene and neglected these residues on your teeth after eating, caries will probably occur. It is actually a combination of bacteria, plaque and acid. When you consume food, the bacteria on your teeth break it down and release acids that damage the tooth. The acid actually attacks the enamel and thus weakens the tooth. However, the gums are equally in danger. That is why prevention is very important.

This is the best way to protect yourself from all the negative effects of tooth decay. There are several different ways to prevent this tooth condition. The most important thing is to brush your teeth regularly and properly, use an antibacterial mouthwash, as well as interdental brushes and floss. Reduce the use of sweets and preparations that contain bad ingredients and use fluoride to strengthen teeth. Of course, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly, because that way you will discover all the problems in time.

Risk factors

Bad habits and certain conditions can put you at greater risk of developing tooth decay. For example, poor oral hygiene is one of them. If you brush your teeth incorrectly, a lot of dirt will remain on them, which means that they will be constantly exposed to acid. Too many carbohydrates in the diet also pose a great risk, because they are quickly broken down into sugars that bacteria in the mouth adore. We must not forget certain dental conditions such as amelogenesis imperfect. This condition has a bad effect on the enamel, which means that the teeth become vulnerable to caries. In addition, there are other health conditions and drugs that reduce the flow of saliva, reduce the percentage of minerals.

Thanks to minerals, teeth cannot regenerate. Age is another important factor. For example, young children often cannot cope with the tasks of dental hygiene, which can lead to minor problems. However, older people generally have a problem with dry mouth, which leads to the development of arthritis and motor difficulties. Due to this condition, it is harder for older people to brush their teeth properly and use floss.

Conclusion:

Although it is difficult to notice caries due to the absence of symptoms, your dentist will make a diagnosis very quickly. It is not an exact science, because it is enough to perform several regular examinations. It is a visual examination, examination with a dental probe, X-rays and other diagnostic methods. As long as you take care of dental hygiene, use adequate products and visit your dentist regularly, you do not have to worry. Even if you get tooth decay, it is very easy to get rid of if it is noticed in time.