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Diagnosis For Tooth Decay
The process of tooth decay is mostly discovered during routine checkups
by a dentist.
When the teeth are probed with a dental explorer (a metal probe looking
like a shepherds’ hook) some teeth may be softer than others.
This is often the result of tooth cavities and decay. When cavities
are found in this procedure, x-rays might be taken of the teeth to
make cavities visible.
Treatment for Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can be treated with the help of the following methods
Dental Fillings
When teeth show signs of cavities and dental caries, the decayed bone
and pulp will be removed and replaced with dental fillings. These
fillings can be made of porcelain, amalgam or even gold.
Crowns
If the tooth decay process has caused too much damage and there is
no bone left to place a filling in the cavity, a crown (a cap) will
be placed over the remainder of the damaged tooth.
It goes without saying that a dentist will always try to keep the
tooth as whole as possible. If the tooth is too far gone for a filling
procedure, or even a crown, extraction is a last option.
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Do Treatments Preserve the Tooth?
Treatment is aimed at preserving the tooth. Early treatment will be
more succesful in saving a tooth, and expenses for early treatment
will obviously cost less as there is less damage to repair. Local
anesthetics are sometimes necessary, especially in the case of drilling
in damaged teeth. Most dentists offer the possibility of anestesia
with nitrous oxide, for those who are scared of dential treatments.
Problems Caused By Untreated Tooth Decay
Untreated decay in a tooth cavity could spread to other teeth and
surrounding bone. The pulp in the tooth will be affected and this
could cause more damage and possible loss of the tooth. The tooth
or gums could get infected, resulting in bacteria possible spreading
throughout the body of the patient, fever and loss of teeth.
Prevention of Tooth Decay
A good standard of oral hygiene is the best way to keep tooth decay
at bay. Regular brusing, flossing and checkups with a dentist cannot
be underestimated. Brushing the teeth after sweet snacks such as dried
fruit or candy will help prevent the forming of plaque.
Oral Hygiene
The bad breath cause is sulphur-producing or anaerobic bacteria. This
bacteria breed in the mouth, producing bad breath. However, there
are other medical conditions that can lead to chronic breath. Knowing
what causes bad breath is one of the first steps in dealing with bad
breath.
Use of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants, thin layers of hard plastic applied to the crown
of a tooth, are mostly apllied to childrens’ teeth after their
teeth have developed properly. This procedure may also be applied
to adults dealing with causes of tooth decay, such as diabetes patients.
This thin protective layer will prevent bacteria from forming on the
crown of the teeth, making it more difficult, if not impossible for
bacteria to damage the tooth. If however dental hygiene is not up
to scratch, tooth cavities may still be infected.
As with nearly any dental problem, treatment is available but prevention
of decay problems is obviously best. No snacks in between meals,
a very low sugar intake and regular brushing will make you lees
susceptible to attacks by the bacteria that causes tooth decay.
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