Tooth Decay Detection
Tooth decay is a bacterial infection of a tooth that causes a cavity. It starts on the tooth’s surface within the pits and grooves where bacterial dental plaque became easily trapped. When exposed to sugars, the bacterial plaque produces acid that decalcify and softens the tooth’s enamel surface, thereby causing a cavity.
Regular tooth brushing, flossing, professional dental hygiene visits, and frequent use of fluoride rinses can help remineralize the outer enamel surface of a tooth, making it more resistant to decay. Nonetheless, some pits and grooves extend so deeply down microscopic channels that it is impossible for a toothbrush bristle or fluoride to penetrate into these areas. Tooth decay can then start below the surface of a tooth. By the time the decay becomes detectable at the tooth’s surface, it has already become a large cavity.
A small cavity may not cause any pain or discomfort, but as the cavity grows, it moves closer to the nerve in the tooth. The tooth may then become sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods, aching or throbbing pain may then develop.
Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your Preston dentist will be able to see from your digital x-rays whether you have any decay under the enamel, or any possible infections in the surrounding tissues.
In addition using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat.
Our cosmetic dentists practice minimally Invasive Dentistry which is a preventive and optimally health oriented approach that is based on the early diagnosis and treatment of a cavity before it destroys and weakens a tooth so much that it needs a larger filling, a crown, or even root canal if the nerve of the tooth becomes infected too.
Tooth Decay Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on their extent and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
- Tooth sensitivity
- Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
- Pain when you bite down
Dental Caries
Prevent Tooth Decay
Causes
- Plaque forms
- Plaque attacks
- Destruction continues
Risk factors
- Tooth location
- Certain foods and drinks
- Frequent snacking or sipping
- Inadequate brushing
- Not getting enough fluoride
- Dry mouth
- Eating disorders
Address
407 Blackpool Road , Preston ,
lancashire , PR2 2DU
Phone
01772 – 726932