Hello everyone! My name is Dr. Shweta Gujaran. I am a general and cosmetic dentist and the owner of The Tooth Studio. Tooth decay is one of the leading dental problems in both children and adults.

Dental caries are cavities that form as a result of an acid attack on the tooth surface by cavity-forming bacteria commonly present in our oral cavity.

Common risk factors for tooth decay include high consumption of sugary, starchy foods that reduce the pH of our mouth. Bacteria convert the sugar to acid that attacks enamel (the first layer of the tooth), causing demineralization. The frequency of exposure is the key factor and not the quantity itself. For example, sipping a cup of coffee for over 5 hours would result in demineralization versus drinking the coffee in 5 minutes and then swishing with water.

The result of frequent exposure to sticky foods or carbohydrates not only reduces the pH of the mouth but keeps it low for extended periods, making it an ideal environment for cavity-forming bacteria to initiate attack.

Poor oral hygiene that results in plaque sticking to teeth creates perfect breeding grounds for these bacteria. Some people are genetically more prone to cavities than others. Medical conditions like cancer, radiation, or Sjogren’s Syndrome (a condition that causes dry mouth and dry eyes) can increase the risk of caries. Certain medications that cause dry mouth significantly reduce the salivary flow making teeth more prone to decay. Habits like mouth breathing, smoking, high consumption of carbonated drinks, and consuming sugary foods are some other risk factors. A common contributing factor is also living in areas where drinking water is not fluoridated.

Symptoms include:

- Toothache

- Swelling

- Temperature sensitivity to cold or hot foods

- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

- Pain while chewing

- Sensitivity to sweet foods

- Appearance of brown or black spot on the tooth

How to maintain a healthy smile?

- Brush at least twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush

- Floss regularly

- Use proper brushing technique

- Maintain a healthy diet

- Avoid sugary/ starchy food and drinks

- Keep yourself hydrated

- Chew sugarless chewing gum to increase salivary flow

- See your dentist at least twice a year who may recommend other treatments if needed.

Parents of infants and toddlers need to make sure the child is not going to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Commonly affecting children from 1 to 2 years of age, these early childhood caries appear as white spots typically on front teeth, later processing to brown or black discoloration, usually on the facial surface of upper teeth, leading to tooth destruction.

Prevention includes -

- Weaning the child from the bottle in a timely manner.

- If the child has to go to bed with a bottle, make sure it is water instead of milk or juice.

- Begin good early mouth care for gums and teeth.

- Have early dental visits for your child.

Early detection is key to a healthy and beautiful smile.

Please visit our office at 100 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury CT 06811, or call us at +1-866-847-8834 (+1-TOOTHSTUDIO) for any dental-related needs.