Tooth decay is a condition in which teeth are damaged due to the erosion of the outermost layer of the tooth (enamel). This condition is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth due to frequent consumption of sweet foods and not maintaining oral hygiene.
Cavities are a common dental complaint, both in adults and children. This condition is difficult to detect because it generally does not cause pain at first. Therefore, it is necessary to have regular dental check-ups.
Cavities that are not treated immediately can grow bigger and bigger. This can increase the risk of other dental problems, such as infections and tooth loss.
Causes and Risk Factors for Cavities
Tooth decay begins with plaque that sticks to the teeth. Dental plaque comes from food residue that contains sugar and starch. If not cleaned, this plaque will be converted into acid by the natural bacteria in the mouth.
The acid produced from plaque then slowly erodes the outermost layer of the teeth. Over time, cavities form in the teeth. If left untreated, bacteria and acids will enter deeper into the dental pulp, which is the part of the tooth that consists of nerves and blood vessels.
Cavities can happen to anyone, but there are several factors that make a person more at risk of experiencing them, namely:
- Rarely brushing or flossing teeth, especially after eating
- Do not use toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride to clean teeth
- Eating too many sweet (such as cakes, biscuits, candy, and ice cream) or acidic (such as soft drinks) foods and drinks
- Suffering from eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
- Suffering from gastric acid reflux disease (GERD) and dry mouth
- As we age, the enamel begins to thin by itself and the production of saliva decreases
- Regularly taking drugs, supplements, vitamins, or herbal products that contain sugar
Symptoms of Cavities
Symptoms of cavities in each person can be different, depending on the location and size of the cavity in the tooth. When a new hole forms and is still small, symptoms may not be noticeable. However, as the hole gets bigger, signs and symptoms that can appear include:
- Teeth become sensitive
- Toothache when biting
- Pain in the teeth that occurs spontaneously for no apparent reason
- Pain or pain when consuming sweet, cold, or hot food or drinks
- There are clearly visible holes in the teeth
- White, brown, or black stains on the tooth surface
When to go to the doctor
Check with a doctor if you experience the above complaints, especially if accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Swelling on the face
- Bleeding gums
- Difficult to chew
- Unbearable tooth pain
Dental Cavity Diagnosis
The doctor will start the examination by asking about the symptoms experienced by the patient. Next, the dentist will look at the condition of the patient's mouth and teeth, then touch the teeth with a special tool, to check for soft areas due to tooth decay.
The doctor may also perform dental X-rays to check the condition of the teeth. X-rays can show the extent of tooth decay.
Dental Cavity Treatment
Treatment of cavities will be adjusted to the severity of the patient's condition. Some of the medical actions that can be taken to treat cavities are:
1. Fluoride treatment
For new cavities, the doctor will give fluoride which is higher in content than is generally contained in toothpaste. Fluoride treatment It can be given in liquid, gel, or foam form. This therapy can repair the enamel and prevent cavities from getting bigger.
Patients can use this fluoride independently by rubbing it on the teeth, or using it as a toothpaste. However, in general, doctors will pair fluoride with a tool that fits the shape of the patient's teeth, so that all surfaces of the teeth are coated with this substance.
2. Filling
Filling Dental fillings or fillings are the most common procedures used to treat cavities. Filling This is done by first removing the damaged part of the tooth. After that, the tooth will be filled using special materials, such as a resin composite, porcelain, gold, or silver.
3. Crown tooth
Crown Dental braces or braces is a procedure for placing denture crowns over damaged teeth. This procedure is generally done to treat more severe damage or weak teeth.
Procedure crown This is done by scraping the damaged part of the tooth and leaving a small part of the tooth to be a support for the crown of the denture. Denture crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, or a resin composite.
4. root canal
root canal or root canal treatment is done if the damage has reached the inside of the tooth or the root of the tooth. This procedure aims to repair the damage without having to extract the tooth.
5. Tooth Extract
Tooth extraction is done if the damage is very severe and cannot be restored. Tooth extraction can be followed by the installation of dentures or dental implants, to fill in the gaps between the extracted teeth.
Complaints that arise due to cavities need to be immediately examined and treated by a dentist. However, if you haven't had time to go to the dentist, there are several ways you can do it at home to relieve pain, namely:
- Keep your teeth clean by brushing all your teeth, including cavities, even though it hurts.
- Use warm water to brush your teeth.
- Use a special toothbrush designed for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol.
Complications of Cavities
Cavities can cause a number of complications if left untreated, including:
- Difficulty chewing food
- Tooth pain that lasts continuously
- Broken or missing teeth
- Swelling or pus appears around the cavities
- Tooth abscess, which can lead to dangerous diseases, such as sepsis
- Pulp polyps due to irritated cavities
Prevention of Cavities
Cavities can happen to anyone, especially people who don't take care of their teeth and mouth. To prevent this condition, there are several things that can be done, namely:
- Reduce snacking habits
- Reduce consumption of sweet or sour foods and drinks, such as candy or soft drinks
- Brushing teeth 2 times a day with toothpaste containing fluoride
- Clean between teeth with dental floss at least once a day
- Checking dental and oral health to the dentist, at least 2 times a year
In addition to the above preventive measures, you are also advised to consume the following foods and drinks to maintain dental health:
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, such as apples, spinach, and cucumbers
- Foods high in calcium, such as nuts and cheese
- Low-sugar gum containing xylitol
- Black tea or green tea without sugar/sweetener
- Drinking water containing fluoride