Tooth decay is a bacterial disease of the tooth’s hard tissues. Diagnosed early, it can be completely cured, and the resulting tissue loss filled (‘filled’).
Untreated decay will progress and destroy deeper tooth tissues. Deep decay can lead to inflammation of the tooth pulp (blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth) or surrounding tissues. In such cases, a filling (‘filling’) is insufficient, and root canal treatment is required. In extreme cases, where decayed tissue destruction prevents reconstruction even after decay removal, tooth extraction and replacement with an implant may be necessary. Additionally, untreated decay is a source of bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body.
Bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that demineralise (dissolve) enamel, leading to decay.
Four elements simultaneously contribute to the development of tooth decay:
To prevent decay, eliminate the first three contributing factors:
Fluoride strengthens enamel through remineralisation, thereby preventing tooth decay and sensitivity.
Fluoride should be consumed in small doses daily (toothpaste, drinking water, salt) and applied in higher concentrations in dental clinics under a dentist’s supervision.
Milk teeth, being less mineralised than permanent teeth and thus more susceptible to decay, require more regular fluoride prevention.
Fluoride treatments in dental clinics are recommended for children from the age of 3 every 4-6 months. Adults should undergo clinic fluoride treatments at least once a year.
22 545 62 43
kontakt@odonto-klinika.pl
ODONTO dental clinic
ul. Hanki Czaki, local 9
01-588 Warszawa
entrance from Popiełuszki Street