Tooth decay: symptoms, types, treatment and prevention
Taking care of your smile is much more than an aesthetic issue; it is a fundamental pillar of your general well-being. However, despite brushing us daily, dental problems can appear when we least expect it. In this article we will solve all your doubts about one of the most common problems in dental consultation, explaining how to detect it to the best ways to prevent it.
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What are cavities and how to identify them?
A cavity is, in essence, an injury to the surface of the tooth caused by acids produced by plaque bacteria. Surely you have wondered like knowing if I have a cavity in a tooth. The first signs are usually subtle: changes in color, sensitivity to cold or sweet, or dark spots.
Sometimes the damage is not visible to the naked eye, as when you notice a tooth chopped from the side Therefore, in the dental clinic, we do not rely solely on visual examination; definitive confirmation is always based on a X-ray of the teeth to find out if there are cavitieswhich allows us to see the inside of the tooth and detect hidden injuries.
Main Symptoms: Does Caries Hurt?
Many patients come to the clinic asking with concern whether The cavities hurt.. The reality is that in their early stages they are usually asymptomatic. However, as the infection progresses and penetrates into the inner layers of the tooth, the answer is a resounding yes.
When the lesion reaches dentin or approaches the nerve, it is common to experience a strong toothache. Sometimes the pain radiates so much that the patients tell us: “I feel My teeth hurt up and down. and I don’t know what the origin is.”
Dental pain with no apparent cavities
It is important to clarify that not all discomfort means you have a bit. If you experience toothache when chewing without cavities visible, or feel pain gums when pressing, we could be faced with a case of bruxism (squeezing teeth), gingivitis or even rash and the wisdom teeth painA good diagnosis is key.
Classes and levels of gravity of cavities
Not all injuries are the same. caries classes according to where they are located and how far they have advanced:
- Incipient caries: They are small cavities that only affect the enamel (the outer layer).
- Advanced caries: When they become a deep cavitiesThey beat the enamel and attack the dentin.
- Severe caries: It is what clinically requires urgent intervention, and that at the colloquial level is sometimes sought as a serious carieTooth pulp's already compromised here.
Childhood Caries: Prevention and Care in Children
The dental health of children is an absolute priority. caries in children progress much faster than in adults because the child enamel is finer.
It's a mistake to think that, as the teeth are going to fall, it doesn't matter if they go wrong. caries in milk teeth may affect the development of the final tooth and cause a lot of pain. rotten teeth in children is sad but avoidable. In addition, due to prolonged exposure to sugars or night bottles, it is also possible to see caries in babies, something that requires immediate dental care.
If you want to know more about caries in children we recommend our aricle about Tooth decay in children: causes and treatment and Caries in the milk teeth.
Treatments: How to remove cavities
The good news is that, detected on time, solutions are fast and routine. If you ask how remove cavities, you must know that today we have dental treatments painless and highly aesthetic.
Teeth fillings and reconstructions
For mild or moderate lesions, the star treatment is the tooth fillings. Today we use composite dentistry, a resin material that perfectly mimics the natural color of your tooth. If you have doubts about What to do after a fillingyour dentist will tell you to avoid chewing on very hard things or foods that may stain during the first few hours, but you can usually make normal life almost immediately.
What happens when the cavities are deep?
If the infection comes to touch the nerve of a tooth, filling is no longer enough. In these cases, to save the part and avoid extraction, it will be necessary to perform an endodontics (kill the nerve).
First Aid: How to remove the toothache instantly
We know that acute dental pain can be desperate if you're desperately looking for how remove toothache instantly at home, we recommend:
- Rinse with warm water and salt to reduce inflammation.
- Apply cold to the cheek (never direct ice) to numb the area.
- Take an over-the-counter analgesic or anti-inflammatory medicine, always following the directions in the package leaflet.
Attention: These are only temporary remedies. Pain is an alarm signal for your body; you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
How to prevent cavities and maintain good oral hygiene?
The best dental treatment is the one you don't have to do. how to prevent cavities, you must establish a solid routine of oral care:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluorinated paste.
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes; the normal brush does not reach the spaces between the teeth.
- Reduces sugar consumption, especially between hours.
- Go to your regular reviews.
Keep a good one oral hygiene It'll get you out of almost any tooth disease. Also, remember to inform you about what basic preventive services the oral health of social security in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is dental periodontitis and how is it different from a cavity?
While cavities attack hard tissue of the tooth (glaze and dentin), many patients ask which is dental periodontitis. Periodontitis is a disease of the gums and bone that supports the tooth. If it is not treated, it causes the teeth to move and end up falling, even if they do not have a single cavity. Both diseases share the same origin: bacteria in the mouth due to a lack of hygiene.
Dental caries treatment in Bilbao
Dental caries treatment in Las Arenas, Getxo
Dental caries treatment in Bilbao, Bilbao
General oral health information. Your dentist’s assessment is needed to tailor any recommendation to your individual circumstances.
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