TIPS TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY

  TIPS TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY

Tooth Decay ( Dental caries) is destruction of tooth structure due to constant deposition of plaque  (sticky film of bacteria) which when comes in contact with sugars releases acid and form cavities.

Bacteria in mouth ferment sugars to form cavities which eventually destoys enamel, dThis can happen if you eat or drink often, especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches. The repeated cycles of these “acid attacks” will cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. Over time, the enamel is weakened and then destroyed, forming a cavity.entin and innermost layer pulp. This is an irreversible process. It is more common among children.

Young children are at risk for “early childhood caries,” sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, which is severe tooth decay in baby teeth.

Our teeth comprises of 3 layers:

Outermost hard and mineralized tissue known as ENAMEL, inner layer DENTIN and soft tissue which is innermost known as PULP.

ENAMEL is hardest tissue in the body equivalent to bone. It is composed of hydroxyappatite crystals.DENTIN is a calcified tissue covered by enamel in crown part and cementum in root part which surrounds the pulp. It consists of hydroxyappatite organic material and water. It also consists of microscopic channels called dentinal tubules which has degree of permeability.PULP is a connective tissue that consists of nerves, blood vessels and other cellular components.

                                   SYMPTOMS OF TOOTH DECAY

1.Toothache: It can be continuous sharp and acute or it may be dull aching.

2.Tooth sensitivity: tenderness on having hot cold and sweet.3.Brown back spots appearing on your teeth.4.Bad breath5.Food lodgement around gums and teeth.

                                            PREVENTION OF TOOTH DECAY

1. Brushing your teeth twice daily, especially before going to bed with a flouride containing toothpaste prevents cavities in mouth.

2.Include smart diet in your lifestyle which include balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid intake of sugary food, junk snacks, sugary drinks, candies and chips at daily basis.

3. Rinse your mouth with mouth wash daily as its antiseptic action kills large number of bacteria.

4. Ask your dentist to guide you about dental sealants applied on teeth for prevention of decay.

5. Visit dentist regularly after 6 months for check ups.

                                                                TREATMENT

If tooth decay is limited to enamel and dentin then it is reversible and treated through restorative procedures like fillings. If it reaches the pulp then irreversible destruction to the tooth occurs which can be treated by otherdefinitive and restorative procedures like RCT, apicectomy,etc.

For more queries contact

DR SUNANDA GOGIA

HAPPY TOOTH DENTAL CLINIC

23 FIRST FLOOR, SETHI ARCADE

SECTOR 76 NOIDA

PH.NO. 8527623340