Tooth Decay

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Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by the plaque in your mouth reacting with sugary and starchy deposits from the food and drink you consume. This reaction produces acid – found largely in soft drinks and pure fruit juices - which damages the enamel over time and thereby weakens the tooth. The enamel is the hard calcified tissue that covers and protects the outside of the tooth and is also the hardest substance in our bodies.

Tooth decay, alternatively known as tooth erosion, can also be caused by medical factors such as a decrease in saliva, certain gastrointestinal conditions, acid reflux disease and the eating disorder bulimia.

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The harm caused by tooth decay can vary from minor damage, such as extreme sensitivity, to severe tooth damage including indentions in the teeth, severe tooth sensitivity, and even cracked teeth.

Early warning signs:

Discolouration - Discolouration or yellowing of the teeth can occur as the dentin of the tooth is exposed during tooth decay, with teeth becoming more yellow as more dentin is exposed.

Tooth Sensitivity – As the enamel that protects the teeth wears away with acid, the exposure of the tooth’s dentin will cause it to become sensitive.

Transparent or Sand Blasted Appearance – A common sign of tooth decay is when teeth start to have a sand blasted look, or the tips of the front teeth start to look transparent.

Rounded Teeth – Another early sign of tooth decay is the shape of the teeth, which will start to appear more rounded.

Advanced/severe symptoms: Dents – Small dents, also known as cupping, can start to appear on the biting areas of your teeth.

Cracking – Allowing the erosion of teeth to continue may lead to the edges of the teeth starting to crack and becoming rough.

Extreme Sensitivity – As more and more enamel wears away during the advanced stages of tooth decay, the teeth can become extremely sensitive.

How to prevent Tooth Decay:

Do not brush your teeth until at least an hour after consuming acidic foods or drinks. This will allow sufficient time for your teeth to re-mineralise after the exposure to acid.

• Make sure you use a soft toothbrush when brushing and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps to reduce tooth sensitivity. Replace your toothbrush every six months.
  
• Rinse your mouth out with water straight after eating or drinking any acidic foods or drinks so that the acid is neutralised.
  
  
• Reduce the amount of carbonated drinks you consume, and try replacing them with water, milk, coffee and tea (both without any sugar).
  
  
• Use a straw to consume any carbonated beverages or other sweet drinks, such as natural fruit juices, which contain high amounts of acid. A straw enables the liquid to go quickly to the back of your mouth instead of circulating the teeth.
  
  
• Try to chew sugar-free gum, which can help reduce dry mouth and increase the saliva flow, allowing your teeth to re-mineralise.
  
  

* There are many different factors that can cause your teeth to decay, so make sure you contact your dentist if you sense that you may be developing the early symptoms of tooth decay. Your dentist will be able to recommend any dental products that are designed specifically to help tooth sensitivity.