You might have listened to the term tooth decay from many people. Actually speaking, what does it mean? How a tooth gets decayed? Are these certain questions you often think? Then, go on to find the answers for them.
A tooth decay is a process which results in formation of a cavity in the tooth. A tooth consists of a pulp chamber consisting of nerves and blood vessels. It is covered by two layers, the outer enamel and inner dentin layer. The enamel is the hardest crystal like layer on the tooth. The dentin and the enamel protects the inner pulp chamber which is the living part of the tooth.
Bacterial growth in the oral cavity is induced with improper oral hygiene. Exposure of bacteria to sugars or other carbohydrates makes acid. The crystal-like substance on the outer surface of the tooth gets affected with the acid. This process is termed as demineralization. It is indicated by the sign of white spots on the surface of the tooth. However, the decay at this process can be stopped by use of fluorides at home and dental office. If the decay continues further, the enamel breaks down which is difficult to treat on self. The formed cavity is cleaned and cured by a dentist. Upon further decay, the dentin which is the layer inwards to the enamel, gets damaged. From there, the infection or decay can reach the tooth's pulp. Infection in pulp can result in abscess (swelling) or fistula (opening of the surface of the gum).
No symptoms are associated with tooth decay until a cavity is formed or the tooth gets infected. However, upon initiation of cavity or infection, severe toothache is seen in the infected persons. With negligence of treatment, tooth decay can lead to further infection and even tooth loss.
A tooth decay is a process which results in formation of a cavity in the tooth. A tooth consists of a pulp chamber consisting of nerves and blood vessels. It is covered by two layers, the outer enamel and inner dentin layer. The enamel is the hardest crystal like layer on the tooth. The dentin and the enamel protects the inner pulp chamber which is the living part of the tooth.
Bacterial growth in the oral cavity is induced with improper oral hygiene. Exposure of bacteria to sugars or other carbohydrates makes acid. The crystal-like substance on the outer surface of the tooth gets affected with the acid. This process is termed as demineralization. It is indicated by the sign of white spots on the surface of the tooth. However, the decay at this process can be stopped by use of fluorides at home and dental office. If the decay continues further, the enamel breaks down which is difficult to treat on self. The formed cavity is cleaned and cured by a dentist. Upon further decay, the dentin which is the layer inwards to the enamel, gets damaged. From there, the infection or decay can reach the tooth's pulp. Infection in pulp can result in abscess (swelling) or fistula (opening of the surface of the gum).
No symptoms are associated with tooth decay until a cavity is formed or the tooth gets infected. However, upon initiation of cavity or infection, severe toothache is seen in the infected persons. With negligence of treatment, tooth decay can lead to further infection and even tooth loss.
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