Sugar and poor oral hygiene are some of the factors responsible for the dental infection that is caries. It can affect and destroy baby teeth and permanent teeth in adults and children. Some people have cavities between the two molars and others in the wisdom teeth.
Here are the causes and symptoms of a cavity between two molars:
What is a tooth decay?
Tooth decay is a cavity that forms as a result of the destruction of enamel, then dentin. The culprits? Bacteria that attack the teeth, the consumption of sugars and certain behaviors that are harmful to oral health.
Cavities always start by developing on the surface of the tooth. If they are not treated in time, they progress until they reach the dental pulp. Toothache, dental abscess and infection are some of the complications of untreated cavities. In extreme cases, it can lead to permanent tooth loss.
If left untreated, the decay process will progress irreparably. Only the intervention of a dentist can stop the spread of the disease in the tissues surrounding the tooth.
What causes tooth decay between two molars?
Tooth decay is an infection that causes the destruction of the tooth from the outside in. It first attacks the enamel, then the dentin and finally the pulp. This infection is linked to the existence of bacteria found in the dental plaque that settle on the teeth. The cavity between two molars often appears as a black spot or a cavity. It appears on any side of the tooth. It is often found in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
These are places like the grooves of the molars, the base of the teeth or between two teeth. When teeth are not brushed regularly, for example, a light colorless layer forms and covers the tooth. It is composed of salivary proteins, bacteria and food waste. These create sugar that spoils the enamel of the tooth and builds a hole in it over time.
What are the symptoms of a cavity between two molars?
When the tooth decay only affects the enamel, the patient is often asymptomatic. At this level, the cavity is like a small light or brown spot. The dentist can identify it with the help of a heat sensitivity test. Once the decay has reached the dentin, several symptoms may appear. First, there is the presence of a cavity visible to the naked eye in the tooth. The patient begins to feel pain when eating certain foods or drinking hot, cold, sweet or acidic beverages.
The pain is very intense during and after chewing. When a cavity sets in, the patient begins by eating poorly. When the cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, the patient begins to feel a sharp and constant pain. This pain may even spread to the entire face. He or she faces sleep disturbances because of the pain. With time, a loss of appetite and weight sets in as the pain becomes quite severe and the patient is unable to eat. To preserve the tooth, it is important to go to a dentist as soon as possible.
How to prevent tooth decays?
Several measures can be taken to prevent tooth decays.
Clean your teeth from a young age
In infants, daily cleaning of the gums with a wet compress for example is possible. From the age of 6 months, you can use the first age brushes which are used to brush the teeth and gums. Brushing from the base to the crown is recommended for children. At the age of three, you can already teach your child to brush himself with a toothbrush and toothpaste for children. From adolescence onwards, you should be vigilant because children can be careless. Therefore, brushing should be regular, especially if your teenager wears braces.
Brush 2 x 2 minutes
To prevent cavities as an adult, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. You should use a fluoride-based toothpaste. It is recommended that you choose soft toothbrushes to access hard-to-reach areas. You should change your toothbrush at least every 3 months and when it is damaged. It is also important that your brushing be thorough, which means including the tongue, which carries bacteria. Germs can also easily land on your toothbrush so you should always keep it clean. You can use alcohol-free mouthwash at times to complement the action of the brush. Adults should also see a dentist at least once a year and children every 6 months. Annual scaling is also recommended for adults to fight cavities.
Have good eating habits
It is important to maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals and low in fats and sugars. You should avoid the consumption of tobacco sugar which is very present in sweets, sodas and cakes. Consumption of sugar before going to bed and snacking should also be avoided. When you eat something sweet before going to bed, you should brush your teeth afterwards.
To brush your teeth, you can use the Y-Brush toothbrush. It is a toothbrush that takes care of your sensitive and fragile gums by allowing you to brush gently.
We hope that this guide has helped you understand what tooth decay is and what the causes and symptoms of tooth decay between two molars are. You also have all the keys in hand to stop having tooth decay.
