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Tooth Decay-Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies of Cavity tooth decay

Tooth-decay or dental caries is the main cause for loss of teeth. It is characterized by bacteria-induced progressive destruction of the mineral and organic components of the enamel and dentine, the two outer layers of the tooth. It is considered to be one of the most common diseases of modern age caused, in large measure, by eating denatured foods of today, which are too soft and too sweet.

Good teeth are an important part of one's health and appearance. They playa very important role in the digestion. One can look at one's best with a good Smile which emanates from good teeth.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Tooth-decay results from faulty diet. The most common cause of this disease is the consumption of soft drinks, cakes, pastries, refined carbohydrates and sugar in all forms. Lack of balance between carbohydrates and proteins and insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals also contribute to this disease.

Food particles lodged in the mouth provide a suitable place for the growth of bacteria. These, in turn, produce a ­ local acid reaction which then attacks the surface of the tooth. Minute cracks or defects in the enamel, or hard outer covering of the tooth may also lead to this process. Once the enamel has been eroded away, the body of the tooth is more easily damaged.

Tooth decay is the destruction of the enamel (outer surface) of a tooth. Tooth decay is also known as dental cavities or dental caries. Decay is caused by bacteria that collect on tooth enamel. The bacteria live in a sticky, white film called plaque (pronounced PLAK). Bacteria obtain their food from sugar and starch in a person's diet. When they eat those foods, the bacteria create an acid that attacks tooth enamel and causes decay.

Tooth-decay or dental caries is the main cause for loss of teeth. It is characterized by bacteria-induced progressive destruction of the mineral and organic components of the enamel and dentine, the two outer layers of the tooth. It is considered to be one of the most common diseases of modern age caused, in large measure, by eating denatured foods of today, which are too soft and too sweet.

Good teeth are an important part of one's health and appearance. They playa very important role in the digestion. One can look at one's best with a good Smile which emanates from good teeth

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

In the beginning, the tooth may be merely sensitive to hot and cold substances in the mouth and to pressure from biting. Later, an abcess forms at the base of the tooth and the pain becomes severe. If the tooth is not properly treated, it will eventually have to be extracted.

Diagnosis of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is often discovered during regular dental checkups. Many adults have a routine dental checkup every six months. During these checkups, a dentist looks at and probes the patient's teeth. If there is tooth decay, it is usually easy for the dentist to find.

Some cases of tooth decay are harder to detect. They may occur between or on the back of teeth. In such cases, they are diagnosed by taking an X ray of the patient's mouth. Decay shows up as a dark spot on the X-ray film.

Tooth decay in very young children is often not diagnosed. Parents may not think it necessary to take a young child to the dentist and decay may be well advanced before it is discovered. For this reason, many dentists recommend having children one to two years of age examined for tooth decay.

Treatment of Tooth Decay

Destroyed tooth structure does not regenerate. However, the progression of cavities can be stopped by treatment. The goal is to preserve the tooth and prevent complications.

In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed (by drilling) and replaced with a restorative material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and may be preferred for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold as stronger, and these materials are often used on back teeth. There is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well.

Crowns are used if decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure, which may cause weakened teeth. Large fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired. A covering jacket or "cap" (crown) is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.

A root canal is recommended if the nerve in a tooth dies from decay or from a traumatic blow. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is

Prevention of Tooth Decay

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.

Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.

Foods To Be Avoided

Sweets

Refined foods

All products made from white flour and sugar

Flesh foods

Condiments

Pickles

Home Remedies of Tooth Decay

A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth. It will relieve the pain and, sometimes, may even cure it. A clove should also be chewed daily in the morning.

Chewing raw onion for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.

Lime, as a rich source of vitamin C, is useful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, and bleeding of the gums

The juice of wheat grass acts as a mouthwash for tooth decay and cures toothaches. It draws out toxins from the gums and thus checks bacterial growth.

The use of asafoetida has been found useful in curing toothache. It should be pestled in lemon Juice and slightly heated. A cotton swab should be soaked in this lotion and placed in the cavity of the tooth. It will relieve pain quickly.

Cloves also help decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. Clove oil, applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also relieves toothache.

A mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt is an excellent dentrifice. Its daily use prevents dental cavities, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches. It cures the increased sensitiveness of the teeth. A pinch of pepper powder mixed with clove oil can be put on the cavities to alleviate the toothache.

Call The Doctor

Call your dentist if you have a toothache.

Call your dentist for a routine cleaning and examination if you have not had one in the last 6 months to 1.