Treating Tooth Decay
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
Good oral hygiene is essential to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. Brushing your teeth twice a day for three minutes, making sure to pay special attention to the point where the teeth and gums meet, is a great starting point but won't guarantee a completely healthy mouth.
One of the more frequent dental problems is dental caries, known commonly as tooth decay, which can result in holes in the teeth. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth mixing with bits of food and saliva to create a sticky coating called plaque. Food and drink that is very sugary or starchy reacts with the plaque to produce an acid that, if left untreated, causes damage to the teeth.
Fluoride Varnish
Depending on the stage of tooth decay there are a number of treatments the dentist can offer you. A fluoride varnish may be applied to the damaged area if caught early. Fluoride is found naturally in our food and drink and is added to many types of toothpaste. A fluoride varnish is a very simple and effective treatment for curbing the growth of tooth decay.
Fillings and Crowns
For more advanced cases fillings or crowns are used to correct the damage. A filling acts as a substitute for missing tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth that is eroded away by the acid). Fillings come in several materials but the NHS only offers amalgam fillings (made from a combination of mercury and a metal alloy containing silver, zinc, tin and copper) because it considers ‘white fillings' to be a cosmetic treatment. A private dentist will help you choose the filling most suitable for you.
Root Canal Therapy
For tooth decay that has spread to the pulp (an inner layer of tooth that contains the nerves) root canal therapy will be necessary. This is the removal of natural tooth pulp to be replaced by artificial pulp that keep the tooth in position. Recent innovations mean that it is reasonably painless if performed by a skilled dentist, contrary to its reputation as a painful procedure.
Preventing Tooth Decay
These treatments are very effective and vital in preventing further damage to your teeth, which can result in having to have the tooth removed, but there are extra preventative measures you can take. Flossing, for example, helps remove bits of debris lodged between teeth that toothbrushes can't reach. Dietary changes can also help - cutting down on sugary foods and fizzy drinks lowers the amount of acid attacking your teeth.
Ultimately, regular check-ups with the dentist are the best way to ensure extensive treatment isn't needed. They will be able to thoroughly clean your mouth and carry out tests to see if tooth decay is in its early stages - and if it is, treat it early with a simple fluoride varnish. Regular check-ups at the dentists make preventative measures and tackling problems early on possible, which is good news for you and great news for your mouth.
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Gary Sprung
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Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 Time: 10:36 PM
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