What is tooth decay? Tooth decay is damage that occurs to a person’s teeth, which can potentially result in cavities, dental abscesses, or even tooth loss. It is caused by the activity of certain species of bacteria, especially the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, that can live in dental plaque. The bacteria in plaque can convert the sugars present in your food into acids. If plaque is allowed to build up over time, these acids can begin to damage your teeth. Stages of tooth decay An important factor that contributes to tooth decay is the formation of plaque. Plaque is a tenacious sticky layer consisting of bacteria and food particles that covers the surfaces of the tooth. If a person does not brush their teeth regularly, plaque is sure to build upon their teeth. With time this can harden and form a more calcified layer called tartar. This calcified layer helps the bacteria against damage, protecting them and helping them nourish. There are five stages of tooth decay. Stage 1: Initial demineralization This earliest stage of tooth decay can be reversed before more permanent damage occurs. This can be achieved by treating the teeth with fluoride. It is often applied to the person’s teeth in the form of a gel or varnish. Fluoride works to strengthen enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by plaque bacteria. Stage 2: Enamel decay When tooth decay enters this stage, cavities are often present. Fillings are used to treat cavities. Stage 3: Dentin decay Because dentin is softer than the enamel, decay moves at a faster rate when it reaches this stage. If identified early, dentin decay may be treated with a filling. In more advanced cases, the placement of a crown may be required. Stage 4: Pulp damage When tooth decay has reached the pulp, you will often need a root canal. In a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed. The tooth cavity is then cleaned and filled in. A crown is placed on the affected tooth. Stage 5: Abscess If an abscess has formed in a person’s tooth, the dentist will likely perform a root canal to remove the infection and seal the tooth. In severe cases, the affected tooth may need to be removed completely. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help treat an abscess.

Symptoms of tooth decay Tooth decay may not cause any pain. However, if you have dental caries, you might have: *Toothache that can either cause continuous pain that keeps you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause *Tooth sensitivity where the person may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet *Grey, brown, or black spots appearing on the person’s teeth *Bad breath *An unpleasant taste in your mouth *A cavity *An infection, which can lead to an abscess (pocket of pus) forming, which can cause pain, facial swelling, and fever *Visible holes or pits in your teeth *Pain when you bite down Treatment Regular check-ups can identify cavities and other dental conditions before they cause troubling symptoms and lead to more serious problems. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing the earliest stages of tooth decay and preventing its progression. If a cavity is treated before it starts causing pain, you probably would not need extensive treatment. Treatment of cavities or tooth decay depends on how severe they are and the patient’s particular situation. Treatment options include: Fluoride treatments: If a cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore that person’s tooth's enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity in the very early stages. Professional fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than the amount found in tap water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses. Fluoride treatments may be liquid, gel, foam, or varnish that is brushed onto the person’s teeth or placed in a small tray that fits over their teeth. Fillings: Fillings, also called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage. Fillings are made of various materials, such as tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain, or dental amalgam that is a combination of several materials. Crowns: For extensive decay or weakened teeth, the person may need a crown that is a custom-fitted covering that replaces the tooth's entire natural crown. The general dentist drills away all the decayed area and enough of the rest of the tooth to ensure a good fit. Crowns may be made of gold, high strength porcelain, resin, porcelain fused to metal, or other materials. Root canals: When decay reaches the inner layer of the tooth (pulp), you may need a root canal. This is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The diseased tooth pulp is removed. Medication is sometimes put into the root canal to clear any infection. Then the pulp is replaced with a filling. Tooth extractions: Some teeth become so severely decayed that they cannot be restored and must be removed. Having a tooth pulled can leave a gap that allows the other teeth to shift. If possible, getting a bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth is a better option.

Preventing tooth cavities Tooth cavities are a common dental problem, but we can reduce your risk by doing the following: *Brush your teeth at least twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. *Floss at least once daily, as recommended by your dentist. *Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods, like sweets, candy, juice, soda, and refined carbohydrates. *Limit snacking between meals. *Consider getting dental sealants on your teeth. Foods that help fight tooth decay *Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables *Calcium-rich foods *Xylitol sugarless chewing gum *Unsweetened black or green tea *Water with fluoride Also, do not forget to visit the dental office at least twice per year for regular teeth cleanings. This allows you to get treatment for any problems your dentist finds, and it will help prevent future dental problems. To sum up Tooth decay occurs due to improper oral hygiene and poor brushing techniques. This can lead to toothache, black spots appearing on the tooth, abscesses, or infection. It can be treated by fluoride applications, fillings, crowns, root canal treatments, and tooth extractions. This can be prevented by brushing twice daily and flossing after every meal.