Tooth decay and toothache

Tooth decay and toothache

Overview

Everyone, or almost a bunt (or cavity) at a time in his life. Cavities usually occur in children and young adults but can affect people of all ages. Among older people, the exposed roots is more susceptible to deterioration. Cavities consitutent the main cause of tooth loss among young people. Good oral hygiene and a balanced diet to prevent tooth decay.


Causes

A cavity begins to form when acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque attack the enamel of the tooth. The plate is a pasty substance composed of bacteria, acids, food residue and saliva, which adheres to the teeth. The bacteria convert waste food, especially sugar and starch, into acids. These acids dissolve tooth enamel and form a tooth decay.

The main factors contributing to the formation of cavities are:

a diet rich in sugar and starch;
a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is due to insufficient production of saliva;
diabetes;
poor dental hygiene.

Symptoms

In the early stages of the formation of cavities, the symptoms are rare. But after a while, tooth pain occurs and a bad taste in the mouth may appear.

The most common complication occurs when damage to the nerve, then the root of the tooth. The tooth can "die" and, if left untreated, an abscess can form.


Treatment

A cavity is treated according to its gravity. However, if partial destruction of one or more teeth, the dentist will recommend a treatment designed to preserve or damaged teeth in order to avoid any complications. A tooth destroyed, even in part, does not regenerate.

If the cavity is recent, professional cleaning done not a dentist and fluoride treatments can reach to stop the destruction of the tooth. Fluoride helps the enamel to recalcifier and repair.

The usual treatment of a dental cavity filling. This intervention is to eliminate the portion of tooth decay and to replace it with a hard material, which may be an amalgam (a mixture of several metals), gold, porcelain or composite resin. Crowns are used when the cavity is very important and that the basis of the remaining healthy tooth is too weak. The crowns can be gold, porcelain or porcelain and metal. If the nerve of the tooth is "dead", a root canal may be necessary.

Too decayed teeth must be extracted and can be replaced with artificial teeth (bridge, implants or dentures). A bridge usually consists of three or four teeth together, while an implant can set a single tooth. To install an implant, you must first insert a titanium rod in the bone support, the growth of bone around the stem to allow it to be securely anchored to set an artificial tooth. The dentures, familiarly called partial or dentures, is scheduled to adjacent teeth by hook or by the gum adhesive chemicals, and can be withdrawn.

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent dental caries. Brush your teeth and flossing daily, and remember to consult your dentist regularly for a dental examination.

Tips for brushing teeth:

Try brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
brushing teeth should last at least five minutes, most people do not brushing teeth long enough.
Use a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
toothbrush should be inclined at 45 degrees to the junction between the teeth and gums.
Gently brush by making circular movements. A vigorous brushing too damaged gums and teeth.
be sure to paint all surfaces of the teeth and tongue.
Baby teeth may be wiped with a square of gauze waiting to use a toothbrush.
Tips for flossing:

Use dental floss at least once a day.
Gently insert the floss between teeth not to injure your gums.
if your gums bleed, maybe you use the wrong floss or your gums are in poor condition. Consult your dentist about this.
Other tips to prevent the formation of cavities:

take nutritious meals and avoid taking snacks. If you like sugary foods, eat them during meals, when your mouth contains a large quantity of protective saliva.
if you like chewing gum, choose a brand that contains sugar xylitol. This substance helps protect teeth caries.
if the water in your municipality does not contain fluoride, ask your dentist about supplements made fluoride.