Toothache & Tooth Decay
Toothache & Tooth Decay Treatment in Doncaster East
Toothache & Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, or a cavity, is a hole in the tooth. Tooth decay can often go unnoticed until the tooth starts to feel sensitive to hot, cold or sweet — and sometimes there is a strong, throbbing toothache — by which time the decay has already reached and damaged the nerve.
Tooth decay is caused by bacterial plaque on the teeth. The bacteria metabolise foods — especially those high in carbohydrate, such as sugary food and drink — and produce acid.
The acid attacks the surface of the teeth, creating holes known as cavities. Once cavities start, the bacteria penetrate deeper through the enamel and dentine, eventually reaching the nerve and causing serious toothache. In short, inadequate dental hygiene mixed with poor dietary choices causes tooth decay.
One of the best ways to deal with tooth decay is to prevent it in the first place. Decay prevention involves thorough removal of bacterial plaque by careful brushing and flossing, and making good food choices.
If left undiagnosed, tooth decay causes sensitivity and eventually pain. There may be infection and swelling, food stagnation in the cavity, and halitosis.
Once decay has penetrated through the enamel surface, it is too late for preventive measures — a filling will be required. Where the decay is extensive, a crown may be needed to cover and protect the tooth, and root canal treatment may be necessary to relieve toothache caused by decay that has reached the nerve. If left to penetrate deep enough, the tooth may sometimes need to be extracted.
The longer tooth decay is left undiagnosed, the more painful and expensive it becomes, and the fewer options there are to save the tooth — so book your comprehensive dental check-up today.
