Teeth are a part of the human body that do not repair themselves. Taking into consideration that after the baby teeth fall out, the second set of permanent teeth are meant to last a person for the rest of their life, it is easily deducible that teeth need to be regularly taken care of. To maintain one’s teeth in the optimum condition, routines such as brushing and flossing is necessary. Dietary habits also play a role in the health of the teeth. Routine visits to a dentist are also recommended to monitor one’s teeth. Dealing with any dental problems as soon as possible makes it easier to manage that problem.
A common dental issue that people deal with is dental decay. The hard outer layer of a tooth, known as the enamel, protects the tooth. Tooth decay is the destruction of this outer layer which leaves the tooth vulnerable. Plaque formation can contribute to tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Consuming food containing sugars causes the bacteria in plaque to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with the teeth- this leads to enamel break down over time. The tooth can then develop cavities, also known as tooth decay.
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the enamel that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are also known as caries or tooth decay. In addition to the plaque, lifestyle choices can also contribute to cavities. Frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning teeth properly can all lead to cavities. Cavities are among the world’s most common health problems. They’re especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants.
Cavities get worse if left untreated. They get larger and affect deeper layers of the teeth. This can lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are the best protection against cavities and tooth decay. Regular checkups can identify cavities and other dental conditions before they get worse. Getting care earlier increases the chances of reversing the earliest stage of tooth decay and preventing its progression. Depending on the severity of the cavity, treatment ranges from fluoride treatments to tooth extraction. Fillings are the treatment recommended when the decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage. The decayed tooth tissue is taken out and a filling material is used to fill the cavity. Fillings are made from various materials, such as tooth-coloured composite resins, porcelain or dental amalgam that is a mixture of several materials. The filling material’s quality heavily factors into determining the success of the treatment. If the material is not durable, it will come off, and if it is likely to shrink, bacteria will settle in the gap between the tooth and the filling leading to cavities.
In recent times, glass ionomer cement, which can be used in quite the same way as composite materials, has been launched as an additional substitute material for dental restoration. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) is a flexible dental restoration solution. It can have a range of compositions, mainly alumina, silica and calcium. A source of fluoride is also incorporated to offer protection against tooth decay. Additional minerals added into the GIC can boost demineralization and/or acidification. GICs also have the cosmetic appeal of being tooth-coloured, so the smile looks natural.
Getting a dental checkup can contribute greatly to maintaining your dental health. Naseem al Rabeeh offers you comprehensive care from the best doctors in Qatar. Head over to our dental centre in Wakrah for a consultation now.
