Many of us can be complacent in thinking “tooth decay could never happen to me”. However, tooth decay can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. If you notice any signs of tooth decay, such as toothache, sensitivity, or you notice cavities forming, you should consult an experienced dentist straight away. If you put treatment off it can lead to far worse problems in the future which require more difficult and intensive procedures to treat.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, however, environmental factors such as diet are the more common cause. Here are some common issues that lead to tooth decay:

→ Consuming too many foods that are high in starch or sugar,

→ Eating in a way that causes plaque and tartar formation on the teeth,

→ Not brushing teeth regularly, not flossing, not using mouthwash, etc., leading to plaque formation,

→ Calcium and fluoride deficiency due to genetics,

→ Other genetic factors

How Do I Spot Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay can show up in the form of various symptoms, depending on the location, size, and depth of the cavity that has started to form. If it is a new cavity, there may not be any obvious symptoms yet, but as the decay increases, the symptoms will become more pronounced. These symptoms can include:

→ Increased tooth sensitivity,

→ Painful toothache,

→ Noticeable hole formation in the tooth,

→ Staining on the tooth surface,

→ Pain when biting and chewing,

→ Bad breath.

How Can Tooth Decay be Treated?

It is very important to act as fast as possible and consult a dentist immediately after you have noticed any signs of tooth decay. If cavities are treated earlier, this can avoid a number of problems from developing, such as persistent toothache, inflammation, tooth fracture, and chewing or feeding difficulties.

If tooth decay is in its early stages, it can be treated with a relatively simple and practical procedure, such as a simple filling. Fluoride varnish treatment can also be used to repair the tooth enamel, cure the decay before it progresses, and prevent it from happening again. In slightly more advanced cases of tooth decay, a dental crown can be applied. After the decay is completely cleaned away, the treatment is finalized by placing a dental porcelain crown on the remaining area.

Finally, if the tooth decay has reached an advanced stage, root canal treatment is usually the best option. This is where the entire root canal of the tooth is cleaned out and filled in again. Thanks to root canals, advanced cases of tooth decay can also be treated.

Things to Consider After Treatment for Tooth Decay

After being treated for cavities or advanced tooth decay, during a consultation your dentist will give you a rundown of the specific steps to follow following your procedure. However, here are some common tips which all people should follow after getting treatment for cavities or tooth decay:

→ In case of toothache during and after treatment, your dentist may prescribe you specific painkillers

→ Very hot and cold foods should be avoided immediately following treatment

→ In order to maintain oral and dental health, you should brush your teeth regularly with an appropriate brush and paste, and dental floss and mouthwash should be used.

→ Try to limit snacks between meals

→ Plan out and stick to a healthy diet, with limited amounts of sugary foods

→ Fluoride toothpaste should be used.

→ In case of calcium deficiency, calcium supplements should be taken.

→ After treatment, limit your intake of sugary, acidic, and caffeine-based food and drink, in order to prevent new cavities forming.

Officially called “white spot lesions”, it is important to go to a dentist as soon as you notice them on your teeth. White spot lesions can be a sign of early tooth decay, possible cavity development, and structural weaknesses in the teeth, but can appear due to a number of other reasons as well. In practice, white spot lesions can be diagnosed and treated very quickly and easily by a dentist.

Due to the fact that white spot lesions can be caused by a wide range of different factors, there is no one single treatment to remove them. Each treatment will depend on the individual case.

The outer wall of the tooth is made up of a hard structure called enamel. Enamel plays a protective role for the tooth, acting as a barrier between the sensitive nerves inside the tooth and the external environment. Enamel can weaken due to wear and tear, exposure to acidic food and drinks, and inadequate oral hygiene. When enamel weakens, pits may form on the tooth surface, leading to cavities and tooth decay. In some cases, the first indicator of tooth decay can be white spot lesions. This is why it is important to consult a dentist without delay if you notice them. Sometimes spots will appear on all teeth, however in other cases only the molars are affected, which makes detecting them much harder. Make sure you are monitoring all of your teeth for signs of tooth decay!

What Causes White Spot Lesions on Teeth?

White spot lesions can be caused by physical factors, or genetic factors such as tooth structure. Here are some of the most common causes of white spot lesions:

→ Dental fluorosis – this occurs if you ingest too much fluoride (it most often occurs in children)

→ Enamel hypoplasia – a tooth defect where the enamel layer is thinner than normal, can be caused by genetics

→ Demineralisation caused by buildup of bacterial plaque – often seen in people who wear braces

→ Acidic food and drink consumption,

→ Lack of oral and dental care (no brushing or flossing), 

Can a Dentist Make White Spots Go Away?

White spots can be an early indicator of tooth decay. They show that the enamel structure of the tooth is at risk, and the early formation of cavities. Treatment will require the enamel structure of the tooth to be improved, usually using calcium to strengthen the enamel.

After consulting a dentist about white spot lesions, they may recommend that you use a calcium restorative toothpaste against the white stains. Another treatment option is topical fluoride treatment to encourage enamel development. This must be prescribed by a dentist.

Another treatment option to remove white spot lesions is tooth whitening. This is an aesthetic treatment which restores colour balance on your tooth, reducing the appearance of lesions by reducing the difference in colour between them and the rest of the tooth. In more severe cases, a dentist may apply a composite resin to the tooth to more permanently correct the colour change. This colour correction should always be performed alongside treatment that tackles the cause of the lesions in the first place.

In any case, you should always go to a dentist as soon as possible after detecting white spots on the teeth, so that they can form a customised treatment plan and prevent them from leading to more severe dental health problems.

How can White Spot Lesions be Permanently Removed?

In order to prevent white spots from reforming and achieve a permanent solution, the root cause must be diagnosed and treated. A dentist can perform an examination to diagnose what triggered the formation of the white spots in the first place, and develop a treatment plan accordingly. Treatments will often combine techniques to remove the white spots and also prevent them from reforming. These include:

→ Tooth Whitening

→ Minimal Etching of Enamel

→ Resin Application

→ Dental Veneer Application

→ Fluoride Application

How can I Prevent White Spot Formation in the First Place?

White spot lesions can be caused by a wide range of factors, including bacterial plaque growth on the teeth, demineralisation, or high levels of fluoride intake. In order to prevent white spots from forming in the first place, you should always follow these measures:

→ Regular oral and dental care, including brushing and flossing

→ Using toothpaste with the correct level of fluoride

→ Limiting consumption of acidic food and drink

→ Regular and sufficient water consumption

→ Periodic dental check-ups

Sensitivity in the teeth happens when there is damage to a tooth’s dentin layer, meaning that nerve tissue is exposed and becomes much more sensitive to things such as temperature. The dentin layer is protected by an outer layer of enamel, which is resistant to physical impact and is very hard. However, enamel can still weaken over time, meaning that the sensitive dentin becomes exposed.

Sensitive teeth can lead to a wide range of issues, including difficulty eating or brushing teeth, as well as the stress and anxiety caused by the pain and sensitivity. 

What are the Causes of Sensitive Teeth?

Here are some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth:

→ A diet based on overly acidic food and drink,

→ Consuming hot and cold food at the same time,

→ Poor brushing and flossing habits,

→ Pre-existing tooth and gum problems,

→ Cavities and tooth decay,

→ Formation of bacteria-containing tartar and plaque,

→ Abrasion of tooth enamel,

→ Physical damage and fractures on the teeth,

→ Badly-performed fillings

→ Habitual teeth grinding, e.g. during sleep,

→ Using teeth whitening products,

→ Using a hard toothbrush,

→ Using a mouthwash that contains acid.

How Can Sensitive Teeth be Treated?

If you are experiencing problems with sensitive teeth, the first step is to consult a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to diagnose the root cause of the tooth sensitivity and come up with a plan to treat the problem and prevent it from happening again. In this way, each treatment will be specific to the individual patient.

A dentist will also be able to give advice on the following:

→ Choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums

→ How to brush teeth in the right way

→ Which food and drink to avoid (ones that damage tooth enamel!)

→ Other oral and dental care tips

How Can I Stop Teeth from Becoming Sensitive in the First Place?

In order to prevent tooth sensitivity, it is recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months for routine check-ups. This means that problems can be caught early, and any bad habits can be advised against and  changed before they lead to sensitive teeth or other more serious problems.

Here are some other top tips to follow to avoid sensitive teeth:

→ Regular and correct brushing

→ When making a nutrition plan, always consult a dentist as well as a dietitian.

→ Hot and cold food or drinks should be prepared as recommended, avoiding extreme temperatures

→ Make sure you are using the right toothpaste and brush.

→ Regular flossing and use of mouthwash

→ Always take immediate action and consult a dentist if you notice problems such as cavities, toothache, tooth damage or teeth grinding

Some of the primary causes for black spots appearing on teeth can be:

→ Consumption of tobacco,

→ Caffeine-containing foods,

→ Excessive use of fluoride,

→ Tooth decay

→ Cavities,

→ Injuries to the teeth,

→ Dental tartar (hardened bacterial plaque)

→ Celiac disease

→ Other genetic factors

What Causes Black Spots on Teeth?

As can be seen above, there are many factors that can lead to the formation of black spots on teeth, especially harmful eating or drinking habits and tobacco, but also genetic factors. In addition, other factors such as increasing age or certain medications can also make black spot formation more likely.

In order to prevent against black spots, the best course of action is to have regular dental check-ups, to tackle signs of dental health problems early.

Causes of Black Spot Formation in Adults

→ Tartar formation (when bacterial plaque is left untreated and it hardens)

→ Frequent consumption of tea, coffee, wine, etc.

→ Foods and medicines containing high levels of iron

→ Certain antibiotics

→ Intensive use of fluoride

→ A porous tooth structure

→ Genetic predisposition

Causes of Black Spot Formation in Children

In addition to all the above factors, black spots can also form in children’s teeth due to specific conditions such as Melanodontia or beltrami romieu disease.

How can I Prevent Black Spots from Forming on my Teeth?

In order to prevent the black spots from forming on the teeth, aside from regular and correct tooth brushing, the most important consideration is eating habits. Above all, limiting the consumption of acidic foods, tea, coffee and tobacco products. Decreasing your intake of foods containing additives and artificial colorants is another useful behavioral change. Speak to a dentist to find out more about ideal consumption habits.

Any intervention to treat the formation of black spots on the teeth should always be carried out under a dentist’s supervision. Otherwise, treatments attempted without a dentist may lead to more significant problems in the future. Individuals who try to take quick action to remove black spots on teeth by looking on the internet for ideas can often cause irreparable damage to their teeth. Always talk to a dentist first!