This article provides information on how to remove tooth decay at home. But, do we know what tooth decay is?
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a common dental problem caused by the destruction of tooth structure by acid-producing bacteria. It is a result of a combination of factors, including poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of sugary foods and beverages, and certain bacteria present in the mouth.
Here is a quick description of what happens in tooth decay ;
1.Plaque Formation: Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. It contains bacteria, saliva, food particles, and acid-producing substances. When you consume carbohydrates (sugars and starches), the bacteria in plaque use them as a food source and produce acids.
2.Acid Attack: The acids produced by bacteria in plaque attack the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Consequently, the acid demineralizes the enamel, leading to the formation of microscopic openings or weak spots.
3.Tooth Decay Progression: Over time, if the acid attacks persist, the enamel weakens further and forms a cavity or hole in the tooth. Once the decay reaches the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel), the process of decay accelerates. If left untreated, the decay can progress to the innermost layer of the tooth called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This can result in severe pain and infection.
Common symptoms of tooth decay include tooth sensitivity, pain, visible holes or pits on the tooth surface, and dark spots or stains.
To remove tooth decay at home, try out the following ;
1.Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the back molars. Additionally, floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
2.Use Chlorexidine mouthwash: Rinsing your mouth with an over-the-counter mouthwash helps to reduce the bacteria load in your mouth. It can also help to reduce inflammation around the gums.To use, pour about 10 ml into a measuring cup, gargle for about one minute and spit it out. Thereafter, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before eating or drinking.
3.Manage your diet: Reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods.
4.Maintain saliva flow: Chewing sugar-free gum or consuming sugar-free candies can help stimulate saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth. Orbit or mentos gum are sugar free and easily obtainable.
5. Oil pulling : Measure a tablespoonful of sesame or coconut oil and swish around your teeth for 20 minutes before spitting it out. These oils have been shown to be rich in antioxidants, besides having antibacterial properties.
6. Consume vitamin rich foods : Vitamins especially vitamin D helps to lock in calcium in teeth, strengthening the teeth. Vitamin D is contained abundantly in milk and other dairy products.
Garlic is known to be a natural antiseptic.
Applying garlic to the affected area reduces inflammation and brings relief if there be tooth ache. Eating raw garlic mops up oral bacteria and can help remove tooth decay at home.
Also, you can cut some aloe plant, scoop out the gel and apply to the affected tooth. It has been shown to reduce bacterial growth which will slow down decay.
What to do if all fails?
Some times, decay may have progressed so much necessitating medical care. Here is an intervention your doctor may prescribe :
Tooth fillings, also known as dental fillings, are a common dental treatment used to restore teeth that have been affected by decay. They are used to fill in the cavities or holes that develop in teeth as a result of tooth decay or trauma The primary goal of a tooth filling is to restore the tooth’s function, shape, and strength, as well as to prevent further decay and damage.
Types of Fillings:
1.Amalgam Fillings: These are silver-colored fillings made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are strong and durable. Hence, they are suitable for filling cavities especially in the back teeth.
2.Composite Resin Fillings: These fillings are tooth-colored and made from a mixture of plastic and glass materials. They can be closely matched to the color of the natural teeth, making them a popular choice for filling cavities in visible areas of the mouth.
However, composite resin fillings are not as durable as amalgam fillings and may require replacement over time.
3.Ceramic Fillings: Also known as porcelain fillings , these fillings are made from ceramic material. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory and can be color-matched to the natural teeth. Ceramic fillings are highly aesthetic and provide excellent durability.
4.Gold Fillings: These fillings are made from a gold alloy and are known for their longevity and strength. Gold fillings are generally more expensive than other types of fillings and require multiple visits to the dentist.
The Filling Procedure:
The tooth filling procedure usually involves the following steps:
1.Numbing: The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth being treated, ensuring a painless procedure.
2.Removal of Decay: The dentist will remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth using a dental drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument.
3.Tooth Preparation: The dentist will shape the cavity to create a space that can securely hold the filling material.
4.Filling Placement: The selected filling material, such as amalgam, composite resin, or ceramic, is placed into the prepared cavity and shaped to match the natural tooth contours.
5.Bonding and Polishing: For composite resin or ceramic fillings, the material is bonded to the tooth surface using a special light, and the filling is then polished to achieve a smooth finish.
Other treatments are tooth extraction and insertion of prostheses, root canal therapy.
The Nigerian picture ;
According to a study done amongst primary public school children in Nigeria,” Children aged 5-10 years had slightly higher caries prevalence (14.8%) than those aged 11-16 years (10.6%)” . Also, the first molars were the worst affected teeth in both the deciduous and permanent dentitions. This goes to question the kind of diet the younger children are exposed to and also help us make informed decisions as regards what to feed children in an attempt to pacify them. As largely, they are more prone to tooth decay and tooth loss.
By and large, the best way to remove tooth decay is to prevent it from happening in the first place. So, practise good oral hygiene and eat healthy.