Tooth Decay

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions, and yet, many patients do not fully understand how it occurs.

As you probably know, tooth decay is a cavity. In other words, it is a hole that bacteria dig into the tooth, starting on the surface of the enamel, then proceeding into the dentine, which covers the dental pulp. It is important to treat it before it reaches the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located.

Once the pulp is infected, you will most certainly experience pain and will need to have a root canal and a crown. This treatment, called endodontic treatment, consists in removing the pulp and devitalizing the tooth.

Avoid tooth decay

So, how can tooth decay be avoided? Tooth decay is caused by the accumulation of plaque, which is a mixture of food residues whose sugars are transformed into acids by the bacteria. To avoid tooth decay, you simply have to keep plaque from building up on your teeth.

Good oral health is the best way to fight cavities. Brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing—which is too often overlooked—are essential to remove all food residues. Also avoid eating sugary foods between meals.

If the cavity has not reached the dental pulp, it may be treated with a filling. During this procedure, your dentist removes the infected area and replaces it with a composite or amalgam filling.

Spotting a cavity early on and treating it quickly can save your tooth and better preserve its natural structure. As soon as you feel tooth sensitivity, come and see your dentist! Regular appointments will also allow us to detect cavities before there are any symptoms.

At Centre Dentaire Dre Nathalie Kadoch, we focus on prevention and encourage you to adopt healthy oral habits. Our team can find cavities early on and treat them quickly to avoid the worst, so make an appointment with us!