One of the most common oral health conditions that people are prone to is tooth decay. Over 90% of patients visiting a dental clinic seek treatment for tooth decay. Typically, patients only seek treatment and restoration when the decay has progressed to a severe stage or complications have arisen. It is important to be knowledgeable and informed, and not to delay seeking treatment when tooth decay has already spread. Let's explore the topic of tooth decay in the following article.

What is Tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a condition characterized by the destruction of the hard outer tissue of the tooth caused by the demineralization process initiated by bacteria present in dental plaque. This process leads to the formation of small cavities on the external surface of the affected tooth.

However, tooth decay is not merely a straightforward condition. It is caused by a combination of various factors, including oral bacteria, frequent consumption of snacks and sugary foods, regular intake of sugary drinks, and inadequate oral hygiene practices.

Tooth decay is a common issue in dental cases worldwide, particularly prevalent among children and older adults. If tooth decay is not detected and treated promptly, the condition will progress silently and worsen over time, affecting the inner layers of the tooth and potentially spreading to other teeth.

Causes of Tooth Decay

There are several factors that contribute to the development of tooth decay, with a few prominent causes that are commonly encountered. These include:

• Prolonged accumulation of dental plaque due to excessive consumption of sugary or starchy foods. When the teeth are not adequately cleaned, these substances accumulate and form plaque. Over time, the bacteria in the plaque gradually erode the tooth enamel and thrive.
• The acidic components within the plaque also have a detrimental effect as they demineralize the hard enamel layer, which is the outer protective layer of the tooth. This erosion caused by bacterial acid begins to create small openings or cavities in the enamel. As these bacteria and acids progress, they gradually penetrate deeper into the next layer of the tooth, known as dentin. This is considered the most common cause of tooth decay.

According to research conducted by dental institutes, the primary causative agents of tooth decay are certain strains of bacteria, namely Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces, and Lactobacillus.

>> See more: Gingivitis - Causes And Complications

Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay

When experiencing tooth decay, individuals may exhibit various signs and symptoms, depending on the severity and duration of the condition. However, as tooth decay progresses, you can easily recognize common indicators and symptoms such as:

Visible cavities or detectable by touch in hidden areas. In such cases, if you use a toothpick or dental floss to probe around the affected area, you may notice that the cavity has significantly progressed beyond the surface.

Swollen or bleeding gums. The bacteria causing tooth decay have proliferated and spread, resulting in damage to the gum tissues. Applying pressure with a toothbrush or dental floss can cause the gums to easily bleed and become infected.

Sensitivity or pain while eating or chewing. At this stage, the decay has reached the softer dentin or gum tissue. Even minor forces applied can trigger discomfort in the areas affected by the bacterial attack.

Furthermore, tooth decay can also be detected by observing additional signs such as throbbing pain, mild fever, toothache, swollen and inflamed gums, and the spread of decay to neighboring teeth.

Should You Visit the Dentist Immediately When You Detect Tooth Decay?

The best advice for the question "Should you visit the dentist immediately when you detect tooth decay?" is not only should you go, but it is best to regularly schedule dental check-ups, which will still be more beneficial.

Prevention is always better than treatment. Your natural teeth will always stay with you, whereas no matter how good dental prosthetics are, they cannot compare to real teeth.

With the mission and criteria of "CARING CONSULTATION - PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT," our dental clinic gathers a team of experienced dentists who are dedicated to providing the best care for patients. We also have the support of the most advanced dental equipment. When you come to Champion Dental Clinic, you will experience the SPECIAL and DISTINCTIVE services of a modern dental clinic that can hardly be compared to anywhere else.

Contact information:

Champion Dental Clinic

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中文: (028) 5411-2297 172 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

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