Can you recall the last time you savoured an ice cream cone and suddenly experienced sharp twinge in your tooth? Moments like these remind us just how essential our teeth are—not only for enjoying our favourite treats but also for maintaining our overall health. Did you know that 90% of people aged between 20-64 suffer from tooth decay? Taking small steps today can save you from major dental issues tomorrow.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What exactly causes tooth decay?” or “How to prevent tooth decay?” you’re in the right place. Let’s look into this topic, from its causes and symptoms to tooth decay treatment and prevention.
What Is Tooth Decay and What Causes it?
Tooth decay is a dental problem when the tooth’s hard surface gets damaged by acids from bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria flourish on all the excess starches and sugars, which, in return, leads to the creation of acid that feeds on the enamel and creates small holes.
However, tooth decay is not just about the looks; it also causes tooth loss, infections, and severe pain. Reports from the World Health Organization have pointed out that roughly 2.5 billion individuals globally deal with untreated tooth decay. So, if you’re dealing with it, you’re far from alone.
So if you want to know what causes tooth decay, here are some primary factors:
- Genetics: The enamel’s thickness and other inherited qualities make it more apt to decay.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: One of the biggest tooth decay causes is poor oral care. Not flossing and brushing leads to plaque, a muggy bacteria that forms on the teeth.
- Snacking Frequently: When you keep eating throughout the day, the chances of the bacteria striking the teeth with acid increase.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva assists in balancing or neutralising the acids and washes away the food particles. Not having enough saliva will increase the dangers of tooth decay.
How to Recognise the Symptoms of Tooth Decay?
Did you find a small spot on the tooth and brush it off as nothing? That tiny spot is an early sign of decay. When you catch it early, it will prevent you from experiencing pain and costly tooth decay treatment.
Apart from knowing what is tooth decay, here are several tooth decay symptoms that you must pay attention to:
- Swollen Gums: The section around the damaged tooth will feel swollen, tender, or red.
- Sensitivity: You might feel an immediate discomfort or pang when you drink or eat something sweet, cold, or hot.
- Bad Breath: An odd taste or constant bad breath in the mouth is a sign of bacteria buildup.
- Toothache: One of the most common tooth decay causes is toothache. You might experience continuous pain, particularly when chewing or biting.
- Holes in the Teeth: Cavities sometimes appear as small gaps or pits.
- Discolouration: Look for black, brown, and white spots on the tooth’s surface.
5 Home Remedies for Tooth Decay
When a cavity forms, you cannot reverse it without the assistance of a dentist. However, if you’re suffering from an early phase of tooth decay called “demineralisation,” you can either reduce it or slow down the process with effective fluoride treatments or/and oral care.
Do you want to know how to remove tooth decay yourself? It’s impossible. The dentist has to get rid of the decay to restore your tooth. However, there are specific ways to lessen the pain and prevent things from worsening while waiting for the tooth decay treatment.
Here are some practical home remedies for tooth decay or cavities:
- Guava Leaves: You should chew fresh guava leaves. Otherwise, you can boil them to use as a mouthwash and get relief from tooth pain.
- Clove Oil: For an effective tooth decay treatment, take some clove oil on the cotton swab and then apply it to the tooth to numb the pain.
- Saltwater Rinse: Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and then rinse the mouth twice daily to lessen the swelling and bacteria.
- Turmeric Paste: Mix water and turmeric and then apply it to your gums to lessen the irritation. This is an excellent tooth decay treatment to opt for.
- Coconut Oil Pulling: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth for 20 minutes to eliminate all harmful bacteria.
When you know what tooth decay is and want more relief, go for a cold compress on the cheek and numb the section. You can prepare some garlic paste and then apply it to the tooth due to its antibacterial properties. However, if you wish to know an effective way to prevent tooth decay, swish with some diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (only 3%) to lessen the bacteria, but don’t swallow it.
Such home remedies for tooth decay pain will not replace professional care but will surely prevent the condition from worsening and aid in managing the discomfort. However, tooth decay should not be taken lightly, and treated as earliest as possible.
Wrapping It Up
So, what is tooth decay? It’s a dental issue that you can prevent and manage simultaneously. For that, you need to provide the right care and attention. If you wish to know how to stop tooth decay from spreading and protect your smile, begin with small steps, from flossing and brushing periodically to opting for the best tooth decay treatment and visiting the dentist regularly. Go for regular checkups and opt for the best treatment option recommended by the dentists to protect and maintain your dental health.
