You probably know that tooth decay is the result of bacteria on your teeth breaking down carbohydrates into acids. You may not be aware, however, that if left untreated it can spread to your nerve and lead to serious complications. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening by getting regular checkups and brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. However, some people are so afraid of dentists that they put off going for years or even decades. It’s easy to see why: In movies and TV shows, dentists are almost always sinister characters who drill into unsuspecting victims’ mouths without any anesthetic. The problem is that in real life the sinister dentist archetype has led many people to think that going to the dentist must be painful and stressful. However, if you feel this way about dentists, then you probably don’t realise how dangerous leaving untreated tooth cavity can be!
Why you shouldn’t put off going to the dentist
Before we start discussing the dangers of tooth decay, it’s important to remember why you should seek regular dental checkups. If you’re like most people, you may have heard that you should go to the dentist twice a year, but you’re not sure why. There are several reasons why you should make an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year. First of all, most people don’t do a good enough job at brushing and flossing their teeth.
Therefore, a dental professional will almost always be able to tell if you have tooth decay or not. This could save you a lot of time, money, and pain in the long run. Finally, your dentist can help you prevent tooth decay and other problems by recommending a good toothbrush and toothpaste.
How bad can tooth decay be?
Although most people associate tooth decay with a slight discoloration of their teeth, it can actually be incredibly dangerous. In most cases, tooth decay is a bacterial infection that starts on the outer surface of the tooth and works its way through the tooth’s structure. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to other areas of your body including your heart and bones.
What’s more, if left untreated, tooth decay can sometimes spread to your gums and cause them to recede. And if the decay reaches your tooth’s nerve, then it could cause a serious infection that could lead to the need for a root canal or even tooth removal. Of course, if you catch the infection early enough, your dentist can easily treat it with tooth scaling and root planning.
What are dental cavities or tooth decay?
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. The Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. The Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems. They’re especially common in children, teenagers, and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants.
Reasons to not wait before visiting a dentist
Many people rationalize reasons for avoiding annual dental checkups. They believe it saves time and money. However, when you wait too long for professional dental care, you are left vulnerable to unidentified decay or worse problems. Often, procrastinating can actually cause you to spend more time in the dentist’s chair treating expensive problems that could have been uncovered during a routine visit.
At a regular checkup, small problems are identified and treated before they get out of hand. By the time you are in pain, issues have become serious, and treatment will need to be more invasive. For example, a small cavity that could have been easily filled may spread to the root and cause the need for a root canal. This procedure is much more extensive and costly. In severe cases, ignoring a minor problem that may have been remedied without hassle may lead to total tooth loss. Fear is another reason many people avoid visiting a dental care provider. Today, many dental professionals offer sedated dentistry to lower patient anxiety. During all procedures, there are many ways to keep a person comfortable and calm.
Tooth Decay: Danger of waiting too long to see a dentist
As we’ve seen, tooth decay can be a very serious disease. If left untreated, it could spread to your gums and lead to serious infections and complications. Unfortunately, many people who are scared of the dentist put off going for years, sometimes even a decade or more. The problem is that when you wait this long to go see a dentist, it’s not enough time for your gums to recover.
This means that when you finally do visit a dentist, they’ll have to take more drastic measures that will be more painful. In some cases, they may even end up having to remove your tooth. But even if you go to a dentist immediately after noticing the signs of tooth decay, they may have to scale away some of your gums to treat it.
The dental tools used to treat tooth decay
The best way to treat tooth decay is with a scale and polish. During this procedure, your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove any bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums. Next, they’ll use a dental scaler to remove any loose bits of enamel. Finally, they’ll use a dental polisher to make your teeth shiny again.
The whole process takes about an hour, and most people don’t even need to get numbed. If your dentist thinks that you’d benefit from a root planing, however, they may have to numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. This is usually a quick and painless procedure that usually only takes a few minutes.
Teeth scale and polish
A common way to clean your teeth and fight off tooth decay is with a teeth scale and polish. During this procedure, your dentist will first use a rubber cleaning tool and an ultrasonic scaler to remove any plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. Next, they’ll use a dental scaler to remove any loose bits of enamel. Finally, they’ll use a dental polisher to make your teeth shiny again. If you have a lot of tooth decay, however, your dentist may recommend a root planing.
Conclusion
Finally, if you notice any symptoms of tooth decay, don’t wait another day to visit the dentist. However, if you wait too long, the infection will spread to your gums and become much harder to treat. In some cases, it may even require the removal of all or part of your tooth. To avoid these complications, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice the signs of tooth decay!
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