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Treatment of dental caries: Tooth decay is a very common form of dental disease in both adults and especially children. If treated early, tooth decay will no longer be a concern. However, you should also not have the thought: It is okay to treat tooth decay to be a little slow. To have a better view of dental caries, let’s learn the article of Dentist Louisiana: What is tooth decay?
What is tooth decay?
So what is tooth decay? Tooth decay is understood in the simplest terms as damage to the hard tissue of the teeth. Also known as demineralization process. These lesions are the result of bacterial growth and activity. Tooth decay is a common oral disease in both Vietnam and the world. Rates of tooth decay are usually highest in children. Everyone is susceptible to tooth decay, including babies.
What causes tooth decay?
Although tooth decay is a common disease, many people still do not have an accurate understanding of this problem. Many people even think that tooth decay is caused by “worms” and parasites in the teeth. This is a misunderstanding not uncommon for people to make. So what exactly is tooth decay?
Plaque is the film on the teeth formed by sugars and starches. They are formed and stick to the surface after 15-20 minutes of eating. If not cleaned, they will combine with enzymes found in saliva and form plaque on the tooth surface. In the long run, plaque will form tartar, which attaches to the gum line and becomes a home for bacteria.
Bacteria cause residence in tartar and digest the plaque. They create acid and erode the mineral layer in tooth enamel. Then gradually eat into the dentin and pulp. At this point we will feel the stinging.
When bacteria that cause tooth decay thrive. They will cause inflammation and swelling of the pulp chamber.
What are the stages of tooth decay?
Tooth decay does not arise “once-in-time”, they have their own manifestations at each stage. Therefore, if you observe closely, you can completely recognize tooth decay early. Tooth decay develops in 4 stages:
Stage 1: This is the onset of caries. If you look closely on the tooth surface, you will see white spots that are yellowish yellow or milky white. This is plaque and tartar. Often at this stage, we will hardly be able to detect tooth decay without regular dental care and checkups.
Stage 2: Mutans Streptococci bacteria will take advantage of plaque and tartar as a place to live and metabolize. This process will produce an acid. They attack and erode tooth enamel. Corrosion areas will turn black. If you pay close attention, you will feel that your teeth are more easily irritated when eating hot, cold, sour foods …
Stage 3: The wormhole will grow wider and deeper. Bacteria attack the dentin layer and pulp, causing tooth pain. The pulp will become inflamed causing pain and bad breath.
Stage 4 – Myelitis. Bacteria will eat to the pulp of the tooth causing inflammation and death of the pulp. In this case, if not treated promptly, the bacteria will attack the nerves and jawbone, causing swelling and inflammation of the jawbone.
How to treat tooth decay?
Depending on the condition of the tooth decay, the dentist will have separate treatment methods for each case. Here are the 4 most popular tooth decay treatments today:
Treatment of tooth decay with Fluoride: In the early stages and in the mild stages of tooth decay, dentists will use fluoride to restore the damaged enamel layer. This method uses fluoride gel, foam or liquid to coat the tooth surface.
Filling: In the case of tooth decay, the enamel has eaten away a relative amount. In this case the use of Fluoride will no longer be feasible. Therefore, the dentist will proceed to scrape the damaged enamel. Then clean and re-fill the cavity with filling materials used in dentistry.
Porcelain veneers: Indicated in cases where the roots are weak or the holes are deep, but the pulp has not yet been affected. Dentists will use porcelain crowns to cover the outside of the decayed tooth. Porcelain veneers will help restore decayed teeth and protect the root and inner pulp.
Extraction: This is the worst case scenario when tooth decay has attacked and killed the pulp. At the same time, they cause the part of the jaw that surrounds the tooth root to become inflamed and bone. In this case the dentist is forced to remove the tooth, dredge and clean the cavity.
Good habits to help limit tooth decay
Most of the causes of tooth decay come from personal factors. So, with just small changes in eating and living habits, you can prevent tooth decay. So what are the good habits that help limit tooth decay?
Dental care is becoming more and more popular nowadays. Everyone cleans their teeth every day so that they can be confident in life activities as well as maintain personal health. However, are you brushing your teeth properly? Teeth cleaning also needs certain “techniques” to ensure effectiveness. Follow the following article to know if you have made any mistakes in brushing and cleaning your teeth.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and evening. Besides, flossing and mouthwash will help you optimal hygiene.
Diet rich in calcium: eggs, milk, seafood.
Limit starchy foods, sugar and carbonated water.
Avoid eating too hard foods that will cause chipping and damage to tooth enamel.
Besides, you should check your teeth periodically at reputable dental addresses every 6 months.
