What are the symptoms of dental caries, how to prevent their occurrence and what are the options for their dental treatment?
One of the most common reasons for visiting a dentist in Medstom, Sofia is tooth decay. Tooth decay is the result of caries-causing bacteria adhering to the teeth, primarily Streptococcus mutans, which metabolize sugars. These produce acid, demineralising the tooth structure over time.
If tooth decay is not treated in time, it can lead to more serious problems such as infections and tooth loss.
Symptoms of tooth decay:
- Weakened enamel;
- Increased tooth sensitivity when eating hot, cold or sugary foods and drinks;
- Visible indentations on the tooth surface;
- Small holes in the tooth;
- Tooth discoloration - it may darken, turn yellow or brown and black spots may appear;
- In more advanced decay, an intense toothache may occur.
Causes of caries:
- Poor oral hygiene;
Medstom specialists in Sofia note that improper brushing and lack of flossing allow plaque to build up, which contains bacteria and fungi. - Nutritious diet;
Eating sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods increases the risk of tooth decay. Plaque is composed primarily of polysaccharides, which are an excellent food source and home to many bacteria and fungi. - Bacteria;
Harmful bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. - Dry mouth;
Reduced saliva flow reduces the body's ability to neutralize acids, leading to increased tooth decay. - Genetic predisposition;
Some people are more susceptible to tooth decay due to genetic factors like weakness of tooth enamel or saliva composition.
Treatment of caries
The treatment of tooth decay depends entirely on the degree of damage to the tooth. At Medstom Dental Clinic in Sofia, treatment includes:
- fluoride treatment;
- removal of the affected tooth area;
- placement of a filling;
- dental crowns;
- root canal treatment for caries complications (endodontics);
- tooth extraction.
In this article, we will talk in more detail about fluoride treatment for tooth decay.
Fluoride treatment can be applied in different situations, depending on the patient's needs.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps build healthy teeth and prevent cavities.
Fluoride gels and varnishes are applied directly to the teeth by a dentist. They are applied periodically, usually during dental checkups.
Here's when and why fluoride treatment may be recommended:
- Children ages 6 months to 16 years;
Teeth during this age are more susceptible to decay because they are still developing. Fluoride helps strengthen new permanent teeth and prevent early cavities. - People at high risk of cavities;
Fluoride caries treatment is prescribed to people who are predisposed to developing cavities, including those with low salivation (xerostomia), poor eating habits, or the presence of multiple fillings and crowns. - Patients with sensitive teeth;
Fluoride can help reduce sensitivity. - Wearing braces and other orthodontic appliances can make it difficult to clean teeth properly, increasing the risk of cavities;
- Older patients.
With age, gums can recede, exposing the root surface of teeth that are more vulnerable to cavities. In addition, salivation may decrease, which also increases the risk of cavities.
Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and protect it from acid erosion that leads to tooth destruction. In addition, fluoride prevents plaque formation and the production of bacterial acids.
Medstom's dental professionals remind that prevention is key to avoiding tooth decay. Maintain good oral hygiene - brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Follow a balanced diet and visit your dentist regularly to prevent tooth decay or catch it in the early (reversible) stages.
Medstom Dental Clinic in Sofia has state-of-the-art equipment, high-quality materials and highly skilled dental professionals to help you deal with tooth decay of any complexity.
