5 Early Symptoms of Tooth Decay and their Methods of Prevention
Tooth decay as part of tooth health is directly related to the health of the whole body and there are many people who suffer from this disease.
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common dental issue that occurs when the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, begins to break down due to acids.
These acids are formed as a result of interactions between oral bacteria and the sugars and carbohydrates found in the foods and drinks you consume. This process is often accelerated by poor oral hygiene practices, such as inadequate brushing and flossing.
Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates become trapped between teeth and are not completely removed with brushing and flossing.
The plaque bacteria generate acidic by-products that eat away at the tooth enamel, slowly creating holes in the teeth called cavities. Without treatment, these holes can grow larger over time and may even destroy the whole tooth.
Major causes of tooth decay are sugary, sticky foods and beverages. The more sugar consumed, the more acid, which gets produced leading to decay. Sugar combines with plaque to weaken the enamel leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay.
Each time you eat a sugary snack, your teeth are vulnerable to damage from the acids for the next 20 minutes. It is important to understand the causes of tooth decay so you can learn the proper way to care for your teeth and care for your health.
According to experts, if the teeth are not treated after the worm is infected, it can destroy all the teeth.
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What is Toothache?
We must have heard the phrase from almost every other person’s mouth that has worms in their teeth, but have you ever wondered how this worm reaches teeth?
When we eat food, especially foods with different textures, there’s a high likelihood that some small particles can become lodged between our teeth.
These particles can include remnants of fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, and even sugary or starchy substances. The spaces between teeth provide convenient spots for these particles to get trapped, which can lead to a variety of oral health concerns if not properly addressed.
Food particles trapped between teeth can contribute to the growth of bacteria. These bacteria feed on the leftover food and produce acids as byproducts.
Over time, these acids can erode the tooth enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the teeth, leading to dental problems such as cavities and gum disease.
That’s why regular brushing, flossing, and maintaining good oral hygiene practices are so important. Brushing helps remove plaque and food particles from the surfaces of the teeth, while flossing targets the areas between teeth and along the gumline where a toothbrush might not reach effectively.
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Overall, being mindful of what we eat, practicing thorough oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent the buildup of food particles and the associated oral health issues they can cause.
Symptoms of Worsening of Teeth
There can be numerous symptoms of tooth decay which, if considered, we will know immediately that there is a worm in our teeth.
1. Feeling cool and Worm
One of the most common symptoms of tooth decay is that we begin to feel cold and hot while eating or drinking.
As the upper surface of the teeth is affected, the teeth begin to feel cold.
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2. Feeling strange while eating sweet
In addition to feeling cold in the teeth, if you feel something different or strange on your teeth while eating sweet, understand that your teeth are beginning to deteriorate.
3. Dental problems
If your teeth begin to feel discomfort, it means that your teeth have become damaged.
This is another symptom of toothache that is ignored by many of us.
4. Spot stains on teeth
The appearance of white stains on the teeth is a sign of tooth decay, as the teeth get worse the white color of the teeth will start to decline.
Many people’s teeth begin to show white, light black, or yellowish-colored spots that indicate a tooth infection.
5. Hole in the teeth
If the teeth do not consult the doctor even after the appearance of the tooth, then this results in the opening of the tooth hole.
If you notice holes in the teeth or between the teeth, please consult a doctor right away.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
Following these practices can greatly contribute to oral health and help individuals avoid the discomfort and complications associated with tooth decay. Let’s break down these points further:
- Regular Dental Checkups: Scheduling dental checkups every six months is essential for catching potential issues early on. Regular visits allow your dentist to identify any emerging problems, offer professional cleaning, and provide guidance on maintaining optimal oral health.
- Proper Brushing Technique: Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day helps remove food particles and plaque buildup. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste is important for effective cleaning without causing damage to the enamel.
- Flossing: Flossing is a critical step in preventing tooth decay, as it helps remove debris and plaque from areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. Using dental floss or interdental brushes can aid in keeping these spaces clean and reducing the risk of decay.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day not only helps with overall hydration but also encourages saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy mouth environment by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles and bacteria.
- Limiting Sugary Drinks: Cutting down on sugary beverages like soda, cold drinks, and juices can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay. Sugars can feed harmful bacteria that produce acids, which in turn weaken enamel and lead to cavities.
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