Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems around the globe. It can affect older adults, teenagers, children as well as infants. Tooth decay meaning refers to when the tooth’s outer surface or enamel gets damaged. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to cavities, which cause immense pain and discomfort in the teeth.
This blog discusses the various causes of tooth decay. Read till the end to discover useful tips, home remedies, and preventive measures to cure tooth decay.
Causes of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that is a combination of saliva, acid, bacteria, and food particles. Plaque sticks to the teeth, resulting in erosion of tooth enamel caused by the acid in plaque. The process occurs over time and in stages. The following points discuss the tooth decay stages:
- Plaque Formation: Dental plaque forms due to excessive consumption of starches and sugar. It can also result from poor oral hygiene. Plaque tends to stay on the teeth. It can harden above or under the gum lining into tartar, also known as calculus. Calculus is more difficult to remove as compared to plaque.
- Erosion of Enamel: The acids in plaque lead to the removal of minerals in the tooth’s enamel. This causes tiny holes in the enamel. This is seen as the first stage of cavities. After the tooth enamel is worn out, the acid and bacteria of plaque reach the next layers of the teeth, causing further damage.
- Destruction of teeth: As the tooth decay expands, the acid and bacteria of plaque continue to damage the pulp, the inner tooth material which contains blood vessels and nerves. This results in swelling and irritation in the pulp, causing pain and discomfort in the tooth roots and bones.
Tooth Decay Treatment at Home
Tooth decay in its early stages can be treated with the help of some useful tips and remedies. Following are some of the home remedies for tooth decay:
- Chewing sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gums after meals can help treat tooth decay. Gum can raise the pH of plaque, stimulate saliva flow, and demineralise the teeth enamel.
- Increasing vitamin D consumption: Vitamin D is necessary for absorption of phosphate and calcium from food. Food rich in vitamin D like milk, yoghurt and other dairy products can reduce tooth decay symptoms. You can also find vitamin D supplements that can support your oral health.
- Practising oil pulling: Early signs of tooth decay can be improved by practising oil pulling. It is an ancient method that involves swishing around oil in your mouth for a few minutes, then spitting it out. Oils like sesame and coconut prove to be helpful in this method. Oil pulling can reduce plaque, bacteria, and gingivitis in the mouth as effectively as chlorhexidine mouthwashes.
- Using liquorice root: Chewing on Chinese liquorice root can help in tooth decay treatment. Liquorice root acts as a natural antimicrobial that prevents the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. You can also consume liquorice lollipops, candies, and tea that can combat tooth decay and are equally effective as raw liquorice roots.
Prevention of Tooth Decay
One can reverse tooth decay if it’s detected at the early stages. During this stage, proper oral hygiene is required. Along with brushing and flossing your teeth, you can prevent the spread of tooth decay with the help of the following methods:
- Increase your fluoride exposure: Fluoride is widely used in dentistry to strengthen teeth enamel and prevention of tooth decay. You can use toothpaste, mouth rinses, and supplements with fluorides to prevent and reverse tooth decay.
- Use dental sealants: Sealants help shield the teeth from cavities by sealing out plaque, bacteria, and food particles. These are liquid coatings that are painted on the chewing surface of your teeth. Kids must get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as their teeth come to protect the cavity-prone teeth from a young age.
- Limit consumption of starchy or sugary foods: To improve tooth decay pain, it is important to avoid consumption of starchy or overly sugary foods. Such food items can worsen your pain. Even if you consume starchy or sugary foods, it is necessary to thoroughly brush your teeth.
- Regular check-ups: One must go for dental checkups at least twice a year. If you’re prone to tooth decay you must visit your dentist once every 6 months for inspection and thorough cleaning.
Conclusion
Tooth decay can be a sign of poor oral hygiene. People with eating disorders, acid reflux diseases, and dry mouth can also experience tooth decay. You can prevent and cure the early onsets of tooth decay or cavities with the help of home remedies and proper dental care. However, if the tooth decay symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a dentist. The treatment options may depend on the severity of your tooth decay.
