The tooth is composed of three layers: the enamel which is the hard outer layer, the middle layer called dentin, and the center of the tooth known as the pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels. When acids created by bacteria are not removed from the teeth, they can eat away at a tooth causing a hole, called a cavity. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss. As plaque forms on the teeth and gums, bacteria in it feeds on the sugars of foods that are eaten. As the bacteria feed, they produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, causing tooth decay. Visiting your general dentist for regular cleanings, along with personal oral hygiene, can help ensure that your teeth are well maintained to avoid tooth decay. At Van Dyke General and Implant Dentistry, we can provide you with a dentist in Gainesville, FL, to keep your teeth healthy.
Tooth decay doesn’t usually develop symptoms until a cavity has been formed or a tooth has become infected, usually after a prolonged absence of basic dental care. Here are some of the possible symptoms you may experience if you have tooth decay.
A dental cavity can result in sharp or dull pain in or around the tooth.
Tooth decay could cause tooth sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold foods or drinks.
Swelling of the gums near a sore tooth is usually a sign of severe tooth decay.
Tooth decay can cause constant bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
The presence of white, gray, brown or black spots on the teeth can be a sign of cavities.
The best treatment for tooth decay will depend on the severity of the case. If tooth decay is caught before a cavity forms, fluoride treatments may be enough to stop it. If the decay has eaten through the tooth’s enamel, however, you may require a cavity filling, a crown if the tooth is badly damaged, a root canal if the pulp of the tooth is infected, or even the removal of the tooth if it is severely damaged. Visiting your Gainesville dentist for regular cleanings can help catch tooth decay in its early stages before serious damage is done to your tooth. Contact Van Dyke General and Implant Dentistry today for an appointment at a general dentistry Gainesville, FL, residents trust.
