Tooth Decay and Detection

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Tooth decay is usually a  process caused by sugars in our diet. The sugars feed plaque bacteria covering the tooth resulting in acid by-products, which gradually dissolve away the enamel and dentine of the tooth to produce a cavity.Decay damages your teeth leaving a ‘hole’ which traps further bacteria and food, which the larger collection of bacteria can feed on and cause an even larger cavity. This leads to a ‘vicious circle’, causing the cavity to grow and the tooth to feel sensitive as there is less tooth tissue to protect the nerve in the middle of the tooth. As the decay deepens and gets closer to the nerve chamber the intensity of pain increases.

Early tooth decay is pain free as this is usually when demineralisation has started but you can’t feel a cavity.If the decay is left untreated it will reach the nerve chamber leading to severe pain and abscesses. The treatment at this stage to relieve these symptoms will be a root canal treatment.  
How can tooth decay be prevented?
It is important to minimise plaque build up on the tooth surfaces especially in between the teeth using floss or interdental brushes and cleaning along the tops (not just the sides) of the back teeth with the toothbrush using  fluoride toothpaste.

The other area of improvement would be to limit the intake of sugars to mealtimes and if you must snack between meals, to ensure that they are sugar free.


How can we  detect tooth decay early?

Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs and you will not feel any symptoms. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but Dr Mary O’Neill will be able to see  with the help of an x-ray, whether you have any decay under the enamel or existing fillings.

Early detection of tooth decay is important so that more of your natural tooth tissue can be preserved, and prevent tooth pain. Dr. O'Neill uses  high magnification  loupes and powerful lighting,  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.