Restorative Dentistry

Tooth Decay is the most common chronic disease in Australia. It is caused by regularly consuming sugary food and drinks and not brushing teeth well. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria found in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth’s surface (enamel). Sugar is this bacteria’s favourite food, so if you regularly consume lots of sugar, these bacteria will multiply. The acid attack that the bacteria causes first appears as a white spot on the tooth’s surface. At this early stage of tooth decay, the tooth can repair itself with the help of fluoride. If left untreated, the white spot turns into a hole (cavity) that progresses deeper into the tooth and can cause infection, pain, tooth loss and abscess formation. At this late stage of tooth decay, the tooth cannot repair itself, and a filling, root canal/pulpotomy, metal crown or extraction is required. Symptoms of tooth decay can include toothache, sensitivity, a swollen face, bad breath, teeth chipping away easily, a bad taste in the mouth, swollen gums and white, brown, or black stains on the teeth. Factors other than tooth decay – such as grinding, clenching, erosion and external trauma may also damage teeth and cause pain and sensitivity.