Did you know, around 90% of Aussie adults experience tooth decay? For the lucky 10% who may not know, tooth decay – otherwise known as cavities – are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that can develop into tiny holes. At Bite Dental, we believe that prevention is better than cure. However, if you do develop tooth decay we will do everything we can to stop it from spreading.
What causes tooth decay?
To stop tooth decay from spreading, we first need to know what causes it. Tooth decay can be caused by many factors including over consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well enough. Therefore, the cavity forms when bacteria in your mouth uses sugar from your diet to produce acids that dissolve the hard crystals of the tooth.
How do I know if I have tooth decay?
The symptoms of tooth decay are dependent on the extent and location of the cavity. In the beginning, you may have no symptoms at all. However, as you create acids and the decay grows, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when eating something sweet, hot or cold
- Visible holes
- Brown, black or white staining on any tooth surface
- Pain when you bit down
How do I stop tooth decay from spreading?
In the early stages a dental cavity looks like a freckle on the surface of the tooth and is painless. In this state you can prevent tooth decay by preventing the acid from dissolving further and supplying the tooth with minerals it can absorb. This means cutting down the sugar supply to the bacteria and increasing the minerals available to the tooth. The best mineral we have to heal teeth is fluoride and the best source of this is toothpaste.
Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste, applying toothpaste directly to the area like an ointment and increase the strength of your toothpaste to prevent cavities from spreading.
However, if the decay progresses beyond this into the inner layer of the tooth, it is irreversible and will continue to decay further. In this case, our team at Bite Dental will remove the decayed tissue and place a filling.
To catch tooth decay and stop it from spreading, you should visit your dentist regularly. At Bite Dental, we recommend 6-monthly checkups and cleans. Dental teeth cleaning is different to your daily tooth brushing and flossing. When you have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist, it involves removing dental plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up on your teeth, with the use of specialised instruments.
If you are worried you have tooth decay or any other dental medical conditions, make sure you book your consultation or check-up today! Right now, we are offering new clients the chance to join our studio, with a full one-hour dental check-up, consultation, and any x-rays required, all for just $99. If you are ready to see a dentist who is convenient, trustworthy and has a personalised approach, please call us on 07 3221 5399 or book a consultation below.