LIVE24SEVEN // Fashion, Health & Beauty DR J E L L E Y : DENT I S T @ TUP S L E Y
The tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth…
Tooth decay occurs in the mouth when acid destroys your teeth. This is mainly caused by bacteria in the mouth and sugary foods. It can also be exacerbated by inadequate cleaning of the teeth.
HOW CAN IT BE TREATED? Treating decay depends on the amount of caries present. This can range from:
Early enamel lesion Application of fluoride varnish. This can be used as a preventative measure when the decay hasn’t completely penetrated the enamel. The varnish is applied to vulnerable areas that are susceptible to decay.
Dr Jelley, BDS, DipDH
Decay through enamel into dentine Restoring the tooth with an ordinary filling. This involves the removal of the decay from the tooth and filled with a material such as composite or amalgam. Composite fillings are by far the more popular option as they can be matched to the shade of the tooth and have comparable strength to the more traditional silver amalgam fillings.
DID YOU KNOW… IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW MUCH SUGAR YOU CONSUME IN ONE GO; A FEW GRAINS OF SUGAR WILL DO AS MUCH DAMAGE AS A BAG OF SUGAR!
Every time sugar is put in the mouth, the decay-causing bacteria digest it and cause the mouth to become more acidic. The pH drops from its natural state of 7 to below 5.5 which creates an environment in which decay-causing bacteria thrive. It takes an hour for the mouth to recover from this acid attack so consuming sugar in between meals puts teeth at a much higher risk of developing decay.
AVOID THESE AT ALL COSTS: n Dried fruit such as raisins n Smoothies and fruit juices n Flavoured water and fizzy drinks n Sugary yoghurts
Decay through the enamel and dentine into the pulp Root canal treatment. This involves removing the pulp (nerve tissue) from the tooth, and filling each separate canal. The tooth is usually then restored to its original shape with a crown. Crowns can be made up of porcelain, gold or metal. A crown also helps to protect the tooth from further fractures in the future. Ignoring pulp decay leads to an abscess being found.
If the decay has progressed too far into the tooth or below the gum level, the tooth is classed as un-restorable and an extraction would be required.
HOW CAN I PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING? n Always use a fluoride toothpaste with an electric toothbrush n Clean your gums and between your teeth daily n Spit excess toothpaste after brushing – don’t rinse or use a mouthwash n Don’t snack between meals n Have regular dental check-ups
If you have any concerns about your teeth or would like to arrange a consultation, please contact The Dentist @ Tupsley on 01432 343 158 or email
thedentist@tupsley.com
THE DENTIST@TUPSLEY 133 Quarry Road, Tupsley, Hereford, HR1 1SX T. 01432 343 158
www.thedentistattupsley.co.uk
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