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Tooth Decay and Preventative Dental Care

Teeth are a very hard type of tissue, the hardest in the human body. They are made of hard minerals (hydroxy-apatites) fixed in a "rubbery" mesh. Decay is when the minerals are dissolved away by acids, leaving only the mesh behind. The mesh will then break apart easily over time, and eventually the bacteria will work down to your tooth nerve.

How does it happen?
The bacteria normally present in your mouth eat sugars from your foods and produce the acids.

Where does decay occur?
Wherever bacteria can gather undisturbed, such as in the grooves of teeth, in-between teeth, and around the gumline.

What foods are especially bad?
Fizzy drinks and fruit juices are very sugary (even if they have "no added sugar"); even "diet" soft drinks have damaging phosphoric acid; also, any foods which are hard to wash off teeth such as biscuits and chips. Even baby bottles of plain milk sucked over a long time will lead to decay, such as when putting baby to sleep with a bottle.

How is decay located?
There are 3 sizes of cavities:

  1. LARGE – the patient is either having strong pain when drinking or eating hot/cold foods or drinks, and they may also be able to find the hole with their tongue when the surface enamel has cracked. These large cavities have the poorest chance of repair because the decay will be very deep and Root Canal Therapy or extraction may be necessary
  2. MEDIUM – the patient may feel slight and fleeting cold sensations. The dentist will be able to see the subsurface discolouration in the tooth below the enamel layer. These have a good chance of repair.
  3. SMALL – X-rays are able to help detect decay in the earliest stages, usually between the back teeth. This is the best way to find decay so that the dentist does not have to make a large access hole to remove the decay, and the structural strength of the tooth is maintained. Other devices can also be used e.g. a laser Diagnodent to look for decay in the grooves of the teeth.

How can decay be prevented?

  • By cleaning your teeth properly at least TWICE a day (after breakfast and especially after your last meal at night).
  • Every time you eat, the bacteria get a feed too. So keep to 3 main meals a day with no sugary snacks or juices/drinks in-between meals.
  • Regular check-ups with fluoride treatment and good oral hygiene advice.
  • Drinking fluoridated water. The constant exposure of teeth to the fluoride washing over you teeth helps remineralise any early decay. Similarly, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. Be aware that there are some herbal toothpastes available that do not have fluoride.
  • Bottled water, tank water, and most filtered water (ion exchange, reverse osmosis) also contain no fluoride. If you have no access to a regular fluoridated water supply, then buy a high fluoride toothpaste e.g. Colgate Neutrafluor 5000 or a fluoride mouthwash. After brushing, do not rinse away the froth.
  • Sometimes your dentist may also recommend a Tooth Mousse which contains active calcium and phosphates to restrengthen teeth. At the present time this is only available through dentists.

    • TOOTH DECAY DOES NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN!

    • Once any current decay has been removed and repaired, we may recommend further simple preventative measures such as fluoride treatments to toughen teeth and fissure sealants to block out the grooves in teeth.
    • We will also want to show you how to look after your teeth so that decay doesn't happen again. We have a qualified Oral Health Educator (Hollee) who will assess your oral hygiene habits and suggest the best techniques, aids, and the range of products available for your particular situation.

    Regular check-ups will help detect any developing problems in the way you are looking after your teeth, or areas of decay starting up.