Preventing and Treating Tooth Decay

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is the breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria. It is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. If not treated properly, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Our mouths are full of bacteria, which form a sticky film called plaque on the surface of teeth. When we eat or drink sugary foods, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. This can eventually cause the enamel to break down and form a cavity.

Factors that contribute to tooth decay include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks
• Not getting enough fluoride
• Dry mouth
• Genetics

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Early tooth decay often has no symptoms. As it progresses, signs and symptoms can include:

• White, brown or black spots on teeth
• Pain or soreness while eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• Visible holes or pits in teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• A cracked or chipped tooth

Preventing Tooth Decay

Good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent tooth decay, including:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing once a day
• Eating a balanced diet low in sugary foods/drinks
• Getting regular dental cleanings and checkups
• Drinking tap water with fluoride
• Using mouthwash

If caught early, small cavities can often by treated by painting on fluoride varnish or sealants. Larger cavities require fillings to remove decay and restore the tooth.

Who is at Risk for Tooth Decay?

People at higher risk for cavities include:

• Kids and teens
• Seniors
• People with dry mouth
• Those living in poverty or without dental insurance
• Individuals with unhealthy diets high in sugars and acidic drinks
• Those who smoke or chew tobacco
• People with special health care needs

Getting dental care at least twice a year can help prevent painful tooth decay and other oral health issues.

FAQs

What food causes the most tooth decay?

Foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, like soda, candy, cookies, and other sweets are biggest culprits of tooth decay. Sticky foods like raisins can also get stuck in teeth grooves and cause cavities over time.

Can tooth decay be reversed?

If caught early, small cavities can be reversed by brushing properly and reducing sugary foods. But once a cavity progresses too far, it cannot heal on its own. Fillings or other dental work are needed to restore the tooth.

Is tooth decay painful?

In the early stages, tooth decay usually does not cause pain. As it gets worse, people may experience tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain from hot, cold or sweet foods, toothaches, and other discomfort requiring a dentist visit.

Can tooth decay cause bad breath?

Yes, advanced tooth decay can allow bacteria to infect the pulp inside teeth, eventually causing an abscess. Abscesses cause foul odors, pus and bleeding when teeth are pressed. Seeking dental treatment is important to stop infection.

Why do my teeth decay so fast?

Many factors cause rapid tooth decay, including poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking on carbs/sugars, drinking acidic or sugary drinks, drug/alcohol abuse, chronic dry mouth, some medical conditions, and lack of access to dental care. See your dentist.