A Hole In The Tooth? What In The World Is Going On?
Hello, I’m Sade, and I remember the day I first noticed a hole in my tooth.
I was 14, and my body was going through a whirlwind of changes. I thought the small cavity was just another weird side effect of puberty.
I mean, my skin was breaking out, I started menstruating, and I was growing taller by the day.
A little hole in my tooth seemed like no big deal.
But as the months went by, the hole started to get bigger, and I began to feel a dull ache in my mouth.
I tried to brush it off, literally and figuratively, but the pain persisted.
It wasn’t until I noticed a hole in another tooth that I realised something was seriously wrong. I was scared and confused, and my mind was racing with worst-case scenarios.
I did some research online, and when I discovered that I had dental caries, I freaked out.
I thought for sure that I would have to get my teeth removed, and the thought of it terrified me. I had always been aware of my low pain threshold, and the idea of losing teeth was unbearable.
I showed my mum, and she took me to the dentist. I was nervous and resistant, expecting the worst. I had visions of drills, injections, and extractions.
But when the doctor examined me and said, “These are the treatment options,” I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I had been so caught up in my anxiety that I hadn’t even been paying attention to what she was saying before that.
But those five words gave me hope. I asked her about getting my teeth removed, and she reassured me that extraction was only a last resort. She explained the several options available, and we could work together to find the best solution.
In that moment, I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. I realised that tooth decay wasn’t a death sentence for my teeth, fortunately.
There were ways to fix it, and I was determined to take care of my teeth and prevent further damage.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is a common oral health issue that occurs when bacteria in your mouth break down leftover food particles on your teeth, producing acids.
These acids gradually destroy your teeth, and when left unchecked, they progress to cause holes in your teeth, pain, and even swelling.
Tooth decay can affect anyone, regardless of age. It’s not just a concern for adolescents like Sade; even toddlers can develop tooth decay.
Poor oral hygiene is a significant predisposing factor to tooth decay, also known as dental caries.
By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly, you can reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy for years to come.
Stages Of Tooth Decay
Stage 1: Initial Demineralisation
The teeth are composed of layers, and the outermost layer is called enamel. The enamel is rich in minerals.
In this stage, the acids cause the tooth to start losing minerals, and then a white spot lesion is seen on the surface of the teeth.
Stage 2: Enamel Decay
The disease progresses when left unchecked, and the aetiology is still present. The aetiology could be attributed to excessive intake of sugar-containing foods, combined with poor oral hygiene. As a result, the white spot lesion changes colour to brown or brownish-black, and a cavity, commonly known as a hole in the tooth, forms, similar to what Sade noticed.
Stage 3 Dentin Decay
The dentin is the middle layer between the outermost enamel and the innermost pulp. This layer is very sensitive, and the decay from this stage becomes rapid. A shocking sensation to cold or heat may also be noticed in this stage.
Stage 4 Pulp Damage
The pulp is the innermost layer of the teeth; the pulp also contains the nerves and blood vessels of the teeth. In this stage, the tooth decay reaches the pulp, and the person begins to feel pain; the tooth becomes tender.
Stage 5 Abscess
At this stage, the soft tissue around the tooth becomes swollen because the bacteria have already reached the pulp, damaged it, and it has become inflamed, resulting in swelling.
Treatment Options For Tooth Decay
The good news is that tooth decay is treatable, and the treatment options vary depending on the stage of decay at the time of presentation. Here are some common treatment options:
Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride strengthens enamel and even repairs early damage. This is the reason dentists recommend a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste is not enough; you also need to use the correct brushing techniques.
A dentist can apply professional fluoride treatments directly to the teeth in the form of a gel, varnish, foam, or solution. This is highly effective in preventing and detecting dental caries at its early stages.
Fillings: Cavities can be treated with fillings. The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth, shapes the cavity, and fills it with materials like composite or Glass Ionomer cement. This prevents tooth deterioration and protects it against further damage, helping the tooth return to its functional state.
Crowns: Holes get larger, just like Sade’s experience. When a significant amount of the enamel has decayed, a filling may no longer be effective. Larger cavities may require a crown instead of a filling. The dentist removes the decayed enamel and fits a tooth-shaped cap, known as a crown.
Root Canals: When decay has reached the root and the innermost pulp is damaged, a root treatment on the tooth can help prevent extraction. The dentist removes the decayed pulp, cleans the root and fills the root. A crown or filling is then placed to restore and strengthen the tooth.
Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. But not like Sade’s nightmares, the dentist numbs the affected site, removes it, and that’s easy peasy.
Prevention Of Tooth Decay
What is better than a cure? You are right!
Some people believe that they are covered and can’t experience tooth decay because nobody has had it in their family, which is a myth and should be discarded.
Research has revealed that dental caries is very common. The reason you think nobody in your family has had it is that they are not telling you, just as you wouldn’t tell your cousin after your treatment.
Here are practical ways to prevent being a victim of those injections you dread so much
Good Oral Hygiene Practices: This is so simple and can’t be overemphasised. From brushing twice daily to using the right toothpaste to ditching those toothpicks and replacing them with dental flossing, every single practice is essential.
Regular Check-Ups: It is recommended that you and I visit the dentist at least twice a year. Individuals at high risk of tooth decay should visit their dentist more frequently.
Talk to Your Dentist: If you see a hole, feel pain, or notice something different, talk to your dentist. Don’t assume it’s a minor issue and go to a shop or search online for your symptoms. Dentists are there for you; talk to them.
