Even with the best oral hygiene, tooth decay can happen to anyone. Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth produce acid that erodes your enamel, resulting in pain, infection, and tooth loss if left untreated. Visit your dentist to find out which factors could put you at a greater risk of tooth decay. Your dentist can discuss how to fix tooth decay and offer you various treatment options, including dental crowns.
Risk Factors for Tooth Decay
There are numerous factors that can increase the risk of tooth decay, including:
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Age
The risk of cavities increases as we get older. Older children aged 12-14 were 38% more likely to have tooth decay in their permanent teeth than younger children aged 6-8 at 9%. Although tooth decay is common among children, older adults can also have tooth decay. 32% of Australians aged 15 and over have untreated tooth decay in at least one tooth.
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Dry mouth
When you have a dry mouth because of a lack of saliva, there is an increased risk of tooth decay. Calcium, phosphorus, fluoride, and other minerals in saliva remineralise your tooth enamel to help keep your teeth healthy.
Undergoing medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can also reduce saliva production, which puts you at risk for tooth decay.
Certain medications may also list dry mouth as one of the side effects.
If you work in a dry environment and don’t drink enough water, you can become dehydrated and have reduced saliva production.
Beverages containing high levels of caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or cola, can cause fluid and saliva loss.
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Consumption of sugary foods and drinks
Consuming sugary foods and drinks regularly can cause bacteria in the mouth to produce acid, which attacks tooth enamel. Sugary foods or beverages, such as fruit juice or sweet soft drinks, can contribute to tooth decay.
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Frequent stomach upset
Even though enamel is tough, it can only withstand acid up to a pH of 5.5. You may wear down your enamel more quickly if you have frequent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A stomach acid’s pH is less than 2.0, so it can erode your teeth’s enamel, causing tooth decay. You should speak with your physician if you believe you have GERD.
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Eating disorders
Self-induced vomiting from an eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, can quickly wear down teeth enamel because of the acidity in stomach acids. People with eating disorders had five times more tooth decay and erosion. Consuming food triggers a significant amount of saliva production afterwards so eating disorders can also decrease saliva production.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
When you have tooth decay, your teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold food. The tooth’s protective enamel is worn away, exposing its inner dentin and resulting in infection. A deep cavity with a severe infection can cause an abscess or pocket of pus to develop, resulting in intense discomfort, swelling, and fever. Tooth decay can also result in persistent toothaches.
Tell your dentist at your next appointment if you encounter any of these symptoms. The earliest stages of tooth decay are often undetectable, so it is essential to see your dentist regularly. When you seek dental treatment sooner, you are more likely to prevent tooth decay in its early stages.
How to Fix Tooth Decay?
Your dentist understands how to fix tooth decay and can discuss your treatment options at your consultation. Depending on the extent of the tooth decay and the condition of your dental health, your tooth decay treatments may include:
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Tooth fillings
Having a compromised tooth structure may require you to get tooth fillings. X-rays can help your dentist decide what type of filling is best for your teeth. Amalgam fillings can restore premolars and molars since they withstand a high bite force. Composite resin fillings are the best choice for front teeth because of the tooth-coloured resin.
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Dental implants
If the dentist cannot save the tooth, it may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant. An implant is a tiny titanium rod that replaces a tooth root in your jawbone. As the implant fuses to the bone, it stimulates and supports the jaw. It can support a single or multiple dental crowns.
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Dental crowns
Dentists typically place dental crowns over the entire natural tooth surface to prevent tooth decay. They can use a dental crown with a large tooth filling to further prevent tooth decay or rebuild the tooth after root canal therapy to restore function and appearance.
The dentists at No Gaps Dental can manufacture CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) dental crowns onsite, so you can receive your dental crowns on the same day.
They take digital images of your teeth, and CEREC software uses this data to create 3D models of your dental crowns. The CEREC machine mills the dental crown from a block of ceramic. The dentist then fits your new crown over your tooth and cements it in place. Dental crowns, including CEREC crowns, can last 15 years if properly maintained.
Prevent Tooth Decay at No Gaps Dental
If you want to find out the answers to your question ‘how to fix tooth decay’, visit a dentist at No Gaps Dental. We have 15 locations where you can make an appointment for an examination and cleaning. With our help, you can protect your smile for years to come. Book online or call us on (02) 8806 0227 today to schedule an appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
References
Australia’s children, Dental health – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/health/dental-health
Oral health and dental care in Australia, Healthy teeth – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/healthy-teeth
Saliva and dental erosion
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881791/
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients – Dental care. Government of South Australia
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/dental+care/chemotherapy+and+radiotherapy+patients+-+dental+care
Medications That Cause Dry Mouth As an Adverse Effect in Older People: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29071719/
Dental Erosion – An Overview with Emphasis on Chemical and Histopathological Aspects
https://www.karger.com/article/fulltext/325915
Stomach pH
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/stomach-ph
Abscessed Tooth: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Pictures
https://www.healthline.com/health/abscessed-tooth
Association between poor oral health and eating disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26429686/
The Role of Ghrelin, Salivary Secretions, and Dental Care in Eating Disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448082/#B114-nutrients-04-0096