Treatment of tooth decay

According to the Guinness Book of Records, tooth decay, or caries, is the most widespread non-infectious disease in the world. It is the deterioration of tooth tissue caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet high in carbohydrates. If tooth decay is not treated in time and spreads, it can damage the dental nerve. In this case, the root canal is treated, and the tooth is then filled and replaced with a prosthesis. It is therefore important not only to brush your teeth properly, but also to have regular preventive check-ups.

What causes tooth decay?

The main cause of tooth decay is probably the fact that our diet has changed, but eating habits and hygiene practices are slow to catch up. We constantly snack on foods high in carbohydrates (“snacking civilisation”). Our diet consists mainly of refined, easily digestible and sticky foods. We eat more unnaturally sweet products. Bacteria in the mouth break down carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose, etc.) into acids. When the acid concentration becomes high (pH 5.5 and below), teeth begin to decay.

Paradox: the wealthier society is, the unhealthier and more expensive its food is. It is no longer clear what is more harmful to health: a lack of food or excessive consumption.

Only a very small percentage of people have genetically strong teeth that can withstand the constant presence of food in the mouth. Most of us need to learn from an early age to choose the right foods (simple, fibre-rich foods naturally clean teeth), to focus on meals and not snacks between them, to brush our teeth thoroughly with a suitable toothpaste twice a day after meals, and if we eat more often, to rinse our mouths immediately after eating. We need to learn not to stockpile food in our mouths!

How to spot tooth decay?

It is sometimes impossible to detect tooth decay yourself, especially if the disease is just beginning or affects areas that are difficult to see (e.g. between the teeth).

However, if you notice brown, grey or black spots on the surface of your teeth, you should consult your dentist. Teeth may react to temperature stimuli, acidic or sweet foods. Once the stimulus is removed, the pain usually disappears immediately. This is like a sign from the tooth, warning that it needs help. Shallow tooth damage is usually completely painless, but you should not wait until it starts to hurt badly. That is why it is necessary to have regular check-ups at the dentist to prevent damage to the tooth surface from turning into deep, expensive damage.

How is tooth decay treated?

Shallow cavities can be treated in a single appointment. This treatment is simple and painless, and the results are long-lasting. The most important task in treating tooth decay is to remove the damaged tissue and restore the integrity, function and aesthetics of the tooth. In modern dentistry, this is a painless procedure. The tooth is filled with materials that mimic its natural colour. Fillings can be used to restore not only teeth damaged by decay, but also broken or worn teeth.