Can eating less sweets, brushing and gargling regularly help stop tooth decay? How can we stop tooth decay from spreading?

Many people who suffer from tooth decay eager to know how to stop it from getting worse, as they are worried that the tooth decay will become more severe, by then it will be more difficult to treat, and also generate more pain. How to stop tooth decay? How long does it take to rot a whole tooth? These are what we all care about. Then let's take a look at the brief analysis below.

According to the dentists of Shenzhen AKJ Dental Hospital, once a cavity is formed, it will develop so fast that it may not be stopped by brushing and rinsing. At present, the relatively effective treatment method is to have the cavity filled in the hospital in timely manner.

The black lines on the occlusal surface of the teeth which can not be removed by brushing and dental cleaning should get your extra attention, as they are probably cavities.

How to fill a cavity?

The symptoms of tooth decay include black spots or plaque on the teeth, and possible cavities underneath. In this occasion, a radiograph should be taken to confirm the depth of the cavity, whether it has reached the nerves inside the tooth. After that, a proper treatment plan can be developed.

If the cavity hasn’t got to the nerves, usually the dentist can treat it by removing the corroded tissues and bacteria inside, and then filling it with resin or other materials. However, if it has damaged the nerves, a simple tooth filling won’t work. At this point, a root canal treatment is needed, which involves removing the diseased nerves, disinfecting and filling the canal, and possibly putting a post and crown on to protect the post-treatment tooth.

As shown in the picture, the treatment cost is in direct proportion to the severity of the tooth decay.

How long does it take for tooth decay to rot a whole tooth if left untreated?

There is no clear answer, as it depends on the hygiene condition of the patient, and the condition of the teeth, etc. For example, deciduous teeth usually grow much faster than permanent teeth. Since the enamel of the deciduous teeth is not fully grown, once the decay occurs on deciduous teeth, it may spread rapidly to the dental nerves in a few weeks, and then rot the whole tooth. Also, tooth decay makes it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene, which in turn step up the development of decay, if not treated timely with tooth filling. Moreover, the further development of the cavity-causing bacteria will damage other healthy teeth and bring you a full mouth of rotten teeth.