Tooth Decay
Tooth Decay Leichhardt
Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of premature tooth loss. Holes form due to the build-up of bacteria from food debris left when you don’t brush your teeth thoroughly.
Cavities start as small patches and spread and grow bigger if left untreated. Cavities don’t cause pain until they worsen and spread to other parts of the tooth.
Tooth Decay Symptoms
The symptoms of tooth decay may depend on the extent and location. When a cavity is small, you may not experience any symptoms at all.
As the damage gets larger, it may cause the following:
- Prolonged/occasional dental pain
- Sensitivity causing pain or an unpleasant feeling when eating, drinking, or experiencing a temperature change
- Eating sweets causes pain
- Visible dark spots on your teeth
- Bad taste or breath in the mouth
When to See the Dentist
Visit your Leichhardt dentist regularly, so the early signs of tooth decay can be addressed right away, and the prevention of further decay can begin.
Tooth decay is easier and cheaper to address when treated during its early stages.
Dentists can detect tooth decay and other problems with a simple examination or X-ray.
Treatment for Tooth Decay
For adults, your Leichhardt dentist can apply fissure sealants on molars that have early symptoms of tooth decay, as long as the decay has not reached through the tooth enamel.
Once the decay has become large and irreversible, your Leichhardt dentist will have to fill the affected tooth.
In more severe cases, root canal therapy may be needed.
For children, the molars can be addressed with fissure sealants. Your Leichhardt can also perform fluoride treatments on both baby and adult teeth to protect them from cavities.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Although tooth decay is common and most of the time irreversible, it can be prevented.
Follow these tips to prevent tooth decay and keep your gums healthy:
Limit your consumption of sugary and starchy food and drinks, between meals or an hour before going to bed – certain medicines may also contain sugar, so it’s best to look for sugar-free alternatives where possible.
Take care of your teeth and gums. Brush your teeth with a fluoride-containing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush at least two times a day, and floss once daily.
Visit your Leichhardt dentist regularly. Your Leichhardt dentist will decide how often you need to visit based on the condition of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Tooth Decay Treatment in Leichhardt
Tooth decay can cause many dental problems if left untreated. With effective treatments offered at My Local Dentists Leichhardt, you can get escape the tooth decay nightmare in no time!
Request an appointment with your dentist in Leichhardt today.
Call us on (02) 9171 0840 or request your appointment online.
We are located at Shop 48, Leichhardt Marketplace Shopping Centre, 122-138 Flood Street in Leichhardt.