How to Treat Tooth Decay

Tooth decay commonly occurs when the enamel of the tooth has sustained damage. This typically results in a cavity. While the causes of tooth decay can vary, the end result is always the same. The bacteria that inhabit the mouth feed on the sugar that comes from the food we eat and the drinks we imbibe and release acids that break down the enamel of our teeth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Schedule regular dentist appointments. You can prevent tooth decay by seeing your dentist twice a year. If you already have tooth decay, your dentist can begin a treatment process that can save your teeth.
2. Get fillings. Teeth that show signs of decay and cavities should be filled to prevent further damage. The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and replace it with a filling. Fillings are typically made of porcelain or amalgam.
3. Place a crown over the tooth. If tooth decay is severe and there is not enough of the tooth left to put a filling in, the dentist will first remove the decayed part of the tooth and then place a crown over what is left of the tooth.
4. Extract the decaying tooth. In extreme cases, if decay has gone past being able to be repaired with a filling or even a crown, the dentist may extract the tooth. This is usually the last option.
5. Brush and floss your teeth daily. Even if you have tooth decay, brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent any further damage or any new damage from occurring. In order to prevent tooth decay, it is important to remove all the food particles from your teeth so that the bacteria doesn't have anything to feed on.