What Can Happen If Tooth Decay Is Not Treated?

What Can Happen If Tooth Decay Is Not Treated?
Image by Annalise Batista from Pixabay

If tooth decay is left untreated, you will lose your tooth. Tooth decay can be reversed if caught early. It affects people of all ages, including babies, and the condition is called baby bottle tooth decay. Poor dental hygiene is one of the major reasons dental cavities. Dental decay is the result of an infection with specific bacteria that utilise sugars in food to make acids. As a result, the acid can attack the tooth enamel and make a cavity in the tooth over time. If you suspect that you are developing cavities, visit the dental clinic Parramatta as early as possible.

How does a cavity develop?

Whenever we drink or eat something that contains sugar or starch, the bacteria use them to thrive and produce acids. The acids can attack the teeth and erode the tooth’s hard surface or enamel over time. This is when you may feel teeth sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold foods, then you are developing cavities. This is the right stage to the reverse cavities. You need to visit the emergency dentist Parramatta and get your cavities treated.

When a tooth is constantly exposed to acid, the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may occur on your teeth and this is the early sign of tooth decay and it can be reversed at this stage. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources.

But, if the tooth decay is left untreated and continues, you will lose more minerals. The enamel will be weekend and destroyed completely, forming a cavity. It causes permanent damage to the teeth and the dentist Parramatta has to repair with a filling.

Causes of tooth decay

Poor oral hygiene

It is essential to brush and floss the teeth regularly. Failing to do so can allow plaque build-up and attack the tooth enamel.

Plaque formation

When bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva all combine in your mouth, plaque, thin, colourless bacteria, is formed. The acid in plaque attacks the enamel of your tooth and eventually can cause holes in your teeth, otherwise known as cavities.

Eating and drinking too much of sugary foods

The real problem begins here. Sugar plays a significant role in the formation of cavities. Foods that tend to cling to your teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay. It is best to avoid consuming too much sugary drinks and foods.

No matter how diligent you are about your oral routine. It is essential to visit the dental clinic Parramatta for routine cleaning and exams. Taking good care of your teeth can help prevent tooth decay and cavities.