Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that is naturally found in the mouth. When the bacteria grows on the teeth and gums, the bacteria can cause cavities.
When the teeth are cleaned by brushing twice daily, it reduces the chance of cavities developing by removing the bacteria. Flossing helps prevent cavities by removing food particles caught between the teeth.
If food is left between the teeth, the food can encourage bacterial growth and cause cavities. Many resources about dental hygiene recommend flossing after every meal to prevent cavities.
Cavities can range from small, minor cavities to severe cavities that cause the tooth to become infected or abscessed. An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infection that has spread through the entire interior portion of the tooth into the roots.
Cavities often occur along the gum line. Cavities at the gum line develop from plaque buildup. Plaque forms when bacteria and food particles are not removed by brushing or flossing.
Tartar forms from plaque that is not removed. Once tartar accumulates, dental care at home is not enough to remove it. Dental professionals must remove tartar.
Dental decay can cause visible discolorations of the teeth. Cavities can appear as pale yellow, brown, or black spots on the teeth.
A dentist can treat a minor cavity by drilling the cavity and applying a filling. Fillings usually consist of porcelain, metal alloys, or composite material.
Severe cavities can cause the tooth to become infected. Once a tooth becomes infected, it can only be treated by removing the tooth or a root canal procedure.
Regular dental checkups should take place at least annually but preferably every six months. Dental x-rays are used to check for decay and cracks that may not be visible.
Tooth decay symptoms include toothache pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, and increased pain when biting or chewing. Some people do not experience any symptoms of tooth decay.
Severe decay and a tooth infection can cause swelling, fever, swollen cheeks, and swollen lymph nodes of the neck. The infection can cause bone loss in the area where the tooth is rooted in the jawbone.
An abscessed tooth symptoms include pain that may be worse when biting or chewing. Eventually, the pain may subside, but that does not mean the tooth has gotten better.
Abscessed teeth do not improve on their own. If the pain stops, it may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died. The infection can continue to cause damage to the jawbone and surrounding tissue.
The dentist must remove the infected tooth pulp in order to save an abscessed tooth. A root canal is the removal of infected tooth pulp and damaged nerve tissue. After the root canal, the tooth can be properly restored with a crown.