What is tooth decay? Tooth decay is damage to the surface or enamel of the tooth. This occurs when bacteria in the mouth and on the surface of the tooth produce acid that attacks the enamel. Tooth decay can cause tooth decay. If tooth decay is not treated properly, it may cause pain, infection, and even complete tooth loss. Our mouths are full of bacteria.... Some of these bacteria are good for oral health, but others can be harmful, such as those that cause tooth decay.... These bacteria combine with small food items in the mouth to produce a soft, pasty substance called plaque.... The bacteria in plaque react with the sugar and starch consumed and produce acid.. Plaque can also cause damage and inflammation of the gums.... Using fluoride toothpaste, you get water and other nutrients....Fluoride along with your saliva helps the enamel to repair itself by replacing minerals....your teeth replace these minerals all day long....but if you don't take proper dental care, sugary and sticky foods...the enamel also loses minerals and causes decay....in the areas of the tooth surface where the minerals are White spots are gone... this is one of the first signs of tooth decay... at this stage you can probably prevent decay... tooth enamel can still repair itself as long as you take care of your teeth and consume sugary foods... the slime will be limited but if the tooth decay process goes away over time... it will weaken and disappear and cause cavities... The tooth is permanent and must be filled by a dentist... Who are prone to tooth decay?... The most important causes of tooth decay are not brushing your teeth or consuming sweet and sticky foods!. Some people are more prone to tooth decay, including people who: - Their oral glands don't produce enough saliva, which could be due to the use of certain drugs, certain patients or cancer treatment.... - They don't consume enough fluoride.... - They are too young.... Bottle-fed babies have a better chance, especially if it's before bed.... This exposes their teeth to sugary substances.... - Signs of aging? In the early stages of decay, you usually don't see any symptoms, but as decay progresses, it can cause the following symptoms: - Toothache - Tooth sensitivity to sweets, heat and cold - White or brown spots on the tooth surface - Tooth cavity - An infection that can cause an abscess... How is caries diagnosed?.. Dentists usually find caries by examining the teeth and tapping the body of the tooth with special tools.... He asks you about the symptoms.... Sometimes X-rays may be needed.... Treatments There are different treatments for tooth decay. The treatment that is used for you depends on the severity of the disease: - Fluoride therapy: if the decay is in the early stages, fluoride helps to restore the tooth enamel... - Tooth filling: if you have a normal cavity, the dentist will empty the decayed tooth and fill it with a special material... - Root canal: if the decay and infection go to the root canal and the dentist probably needs the tooth or the material inside your tooth. Place a crown.... After this step, you will be offered an implant or a bridge to replace the extracted tooth.... Otherwise, the side tooth of the extracted tooth will be moved and the shape of the jaw will change.... But finally, we must mention some useful tips to prevent tooth decay: Use fluoride, a mineral that can prevent the progression of tooth decay and even reverse or stop early tooth decay. You can get fluoride through: Brushing with fluoride toothpaste.... Drinking tap water containing fluoride.... Using fluoride mouthwash Observe oral hygiene.... Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth regularly with dental floss or interdental (interdental) cleaners... Make smart food choices that limit sugary drinks and foods containing sugar and starch... Eat nutritious and balanced meals and if you are not currently using smokeless snacks... If you are currently using tobacco, quit it... See a dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings... You can visit Dr. Mashari's Dental Clinic for advice and an examination to find out about tooth decay... Source: https://medlineplus.gov/toothdecay.html#:~:text=Tooth%20decay%20is%20damage%20to,infection%2C%20and%20even%20tooth%20loss...