Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay is the destruction of tooth material, which includes:
  • Enamel – the hard outer surface of the tooth
  • Dentin – the second layer beneath the enamel
  • Pulp – the inside of the tooth
  • Root – the nerve of the tooth

Causes

Tooth Decay is caused by bacteria interacting with food particles (plaque) left on the surface of the tooth. Bacteria feed on plaque and produce an acid that eats through the tooth.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Diet high in sugars
  • Malnutrition including vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Sensitivity of a tooth to hot or cold
  • Tooth discomfort after eating
  • Darkening of the tooth surface
  • Bad breath or a foul taste in mouth
  • Throbbing, lingering pain in tooth

Diagnosis

A dentist checks for Tooth Decay by:
  • Asking about pain in the teeth
  • Visually inspecting the surface of the teeth
  • Probing teeth with dental instruments to check for:
    • Sensitivity
    • Pain
    • Softness
    • Surface defects
  • Taking x-rays of teeth

Treatment

Tooth Decay that is stopped before it reaches the dentin (second layer of the tooth) will repair itself.
Treatment for more severe decay includes:
Fillings
When decay reaches the dentin, your dentist will treat it by:
  • Numbing the tooth
  • Removing the decay with a drill
  • Filling the hole with a dental amalgam (also called a filling)
Root Canal
Tooth decay that reaches the pulp and/or root of the tooth is treated with a root canal:
  • The tooth is numbed and a hole is drilled through top of the tooth.
  • Pus and dead tissue are removed from the tooth.
  • The inside of the tooth and the root (nerve) canals are cleaned and filled with a permanent filling.
  • The root (nerve) canal is sealed.
  • A crown is placed on the tooth to protect it.
Tooth Extraction (Removal)
Removal of the tooth is required if:
  • Tooth decay and/or tooth infection is too extensive for filling or root canal.
  • A break or crack in tooth that has allowed for decay is too severe to be repaired.
  • An extensive infection between the tooth and gum.
If the tooth is removed, it will be replaced with:
  • A partial bridge
  • A denture
  • A tooth implant

Prevention

Measures that help prevent and stop Tooth Decay include:
  • Proper dental hygiene, including:
    • Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste after meals or at least twice per day
    • Daily flossing between teeth and gums
    • Regular dental check-ups (every 6 months)
    • Regular professional teeth and gum cleaning (every 6 months)
  • Limiting the amount of sugar you eat, including:
    • Honey
    • Candy
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Other sweets
  • Rinsing your mouth with water after eating sugars.
  • Sealants – a thin coating put on the teeth by a dentist as a barrier to tooth decay.