Picture of a hidden decay

This picture explains how a decay can go un-noticed and why is flossing is so important. A hidden decay usually started in between 2 teeth where a toothbrush will not reach. As the decay break through the surface, it spreads silently in the inner layer of the tooth. Here, as it progress deeper, it gets nearer to the pulp (nerve). The pulp contains nerve and will feel pain as it is attacked.

Chances of saving this tooth depends on the severity of the injury to the pulp tissue. And this depends on how early we detect the decay. Simple filling is possible if the nerve is not injured. If the nerved is irreversibly injured, we may need root canals to save this tooth. In sever cases where the tooth structure is unrestorable, extractions will be indicated.

In short, to prevent loss of teeth to decay, we needs prevention and early detections. Prevention is by careful and effective cleaning at home daily. Early detection is by having your teeth checked every 6 months by your regular dentist....