Hornchurch Dentist
Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
Ignoring a tooth problem?
Get tooth decay and gum disease treated
Destruction of your tooth enamel
Tooth decay and it’s cause
One of the most common issues that Dr Sheth and the team at Hacton encounter is tooth decay. This is a very serious problem and must be treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of extensive damage and infection.
Tooth decay is caused when certain types of oral bacteria start to produce acids. These acids harm the protective enamel surfaces of teeth, breaking them down so that eventually they reach the dentin.
Once the acids have eaten through enough of the hard structure, a visible hole can be formed which is bad news for the tooth. This hole can allow an infection to form in the soft tissue within, called the dental pulp.
The sufferer can experience pain and extreme weakening of the tooth to the point. Some of the structure can even crumble and break away under the pressure of biting.
A below par oral hygiene routine and overly sugar or acid filled diet can cause tooth decay.
The intake of sugary food and drinks gives the bacteria that sit on the teeth fuel to feed on and produce the acid. Drinks such as fruit juices that many perceive as healthy are among the worst offenders because they are acidic in nature.
Gum swelling, soreness or infection
Gum disease and it’s cause
Gum disease is characterised by inflamed, reddened or painful gums. This is quite uncomfortable and distressing for patients. It is also known as gingivitis in its earlier stages.
Rather like tooth decay, the most common way to develop gum disease is poor standards of oral hygiene. Without proper cleaning, plaque can build up on the teeth. Plaque is full of harmful acid producing bacteria that damage the teeth and gums. If it isn’t cleaned away, then it hardens into tartar which is much more difficult to remove, so substantial damage can be caused.
Other causes cited are stress, smoking or a weakened immune system. These may lead to gum disease because the healing process of the tissue is hindered, so is more susceptible to infection.
How to treat tooth decay
Dr Sheth and the team are able to provide small fillings if the decay is in an early stage. However if it has been left for a long time and has progressed to the dental pulp, then a crown or more likely root canal treatment to save the decayed tooth may be necessary.
How to treat gum disease
Your gum disease issues can be treated with a visit to our hygienist who can thoroughly clean the tartar away. The majority of the work needs to come from you though. Whether it is a change of lifestyle to reduce stress or stop smoking, or even just implementing a more rigorous oral hygiene routine, you must work to rid yourself of gum disease.
The risks of not doing so are that the gingivitis could develop into periodontitis. This condition is seen as severe as the bone and teeth roots can start to break down which leads to tooth loss.
Get In Touch
Hacton Dental Care
1 Hacton Lane
Hornchurch
Essex
RM12 6PH
t: 01708 447603
