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5 Reasons Why Tooth Decay Is Nothing to Smile About
This article highlights the seriousness of tooth decay and explains why it should never be ignored. It begins by pointing out that tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting humans, comparable in prevalence to the common cold. Despite how widespread it is, tooth decay is entirely preventable with good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and limiting sugary foods and drinks. The article explains that tooth decay develops when three factors come together: teeth that are vulnerable to decay, the presence of decay-causing bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, and food debris—particularly sugars and starches—that bacteria feed on. It then describes how decay leads to cavities. Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, acids produced by plaque bacteria can weaken it over time. As enamel breaks down, small holes or cavities form on the tooth surface. If cavities are left untreated, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the tooth, damaging the dentin and eventually infecting the dental pulp. Once the pulp becomes infected, more advanced treatment, such as a root canal, is required to save the tooth. The article also explains that untreated decay can ultimately result in tooth loss. When infection is ignored, abscesses may develop, and saving the tooth may no longer be possible. Beyond tooth loss, decay can also affect the jawbone. Missing teeth allow neighbouring teeth to drift out of position, and the underlying jawbone can begin to deteriorate through a process called resorption, which can alter facial structure and make a person appear older. The article concludes by encouraging readers to attend regular dental checkups at Harley Private Dental. Routine visits allow decay to be detected early, before it causes lasting damage, helping patients protect their smiles and maintain long-term oral health.
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5 Reasons Why Tooth Decay Is Nothing to Smile About
We’ve all heard of tooth decay, and maybe you’ve been fortunate enough to avoid the worst symptoms associated with it so far. It’s easy to write off getting tooth decay as just something that causes toothaches. But it’s much more than that.
Let’s take a look at just how serious dental decay is.
1. Tooth Decay Is One of the Most Common Diseases
Believe it or not, tooth decay is up there with the common cold as one of the most common diseases affecting humans. Thankfully, it’s entirely preventable with good oral hygiene practices, regular trips to the dentist, and practising restraint when it comes to eating and drinking sugary food and drink.
For tooth decay to be a problem, you need the following:
- Teeth that are susceptible to decay: This could mean that your tooth’s enamel isn’t quite as strong as it should be
- The presence of decay-causing bacteria in your mouth: There are thousands of bacteria in everyone’s mouth, including Streptococcus Mutans, the biggest culprit
- Food debris: Sugar and starch left on your teeth give the bacteria something to feed on
2. Tooth Decay Causes Cavities
Did you know that the enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in your body? Despite this fact, plaque can cause cavities to form on the surface of your teeth.
As the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and starch, they merge in your saliva to form plaque. This plaque will coat your teeth and, once fed, the bacteria will start to create acid. Over time, this acid will weaken the enamel coating of your tooth. This breakdown leads to the formation of small holes or cavities.
3. Untreated Cavities Lead to Infection
Once a hole has formed in the surface of your teeth, plaque bacteria can work itself inside the tooth and damage the layers of dentin below. Eventually, the hole will deepen to expose the living portion of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, to infection.
4. Tooth Decay Can Cost You Your Teeth
Once your dental pulp is infected, the best course of action is to have root canal treatment. This can help save your tooth and prevent further infection by removing the diseased pulp. If left untreated, your pulp will die, and you run the risk of developing an abscess. Eventually, saving your tooth will be impossible.
5. Your Jaw Will Be Affected
The loss of a tooth can cause problems biting and chewing and it may affect your confidence, but it can cause other problems. Neighbouring teeth could start to shift positions, sliding into the gaps, and possibly even changing angles as they do so.
Another major problem is that without a tooth taking root in it, the underlying jaw will start to break down. Resorption of the jaw occurs when the bone’s minerals are taken away in the blood. This leads to a loss in facial definition, making you look much older than you are.
Book Your Regular Checkup at Harley Private Dental
We want to keep your teeth in top shape; this is why we recommend coming to see us at least twice a year for a full dental checkup. Here, we’ll be able to spot decay before it causes damage. We can stop it in its tracks by helping strengthen your teeth and giving you tips on how to care for them better.
Don’t let decay kill your smile. Book an appointment with us today.
