Dental Articles - London

Over time, you may start to notice that some of your teeth don’t look right, but you don’t feel any pain, so you decide to leave it alone. However, the appearance and feel of the tooth may start to change quickly, giving you a nervous feeling that something could be wrong. Rapidly decaying teeth are a sign of an aggressive process that needs immediate attention. This guide offers a helpful roadmap for managing the initial worry of tooth decay and starting the conversation with your dentist.

Immediate Action: Your First 4 Steps

Call Your Dentist Immediately

The first step to realistically dealing with tooth decay is to call your local London, ON dentist and request an urgent or emergency dental appointment. Mention to your receptionist or dentist: “I have symptoms of rapid decay/multiple new cavities.”

Improve Your Brushing Habits

Ensure you are brushing your teeth gently and following the “Brushing 2×2” rule, which means brushing your teeth for two minutes, two times a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further irritating the area.

Start Flossing Daily (or Increase Frequency)

Decay often occurs in the spaces between teeth, sometimes referred to as interdentally. Flossing is essential when dealing with tooth decay, as it removes plaque and food particles that brushing alone cannot reach.

Rinse with a Fluoride Mouthwash

A high-quality, alcohol-free fluoride rinse can help remineralize weakened enamel between brushing.

Understanding the Root Causes of Rapid Decay

There is no single answer as to the cause of the rapid tooth decay however, decay can manifest in many different ways depending on what is happening inside your mouth and your daily habits. Below are some of the more common reasons why teeth may start breaking down quicker than expected.

Underlying Health Issues (Systemic Factors):

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Certain medications, breathing through your mouth at night, or medical conditions can reduce saliva. Saliva plays an important role in neutralizing acids and washing away food debris.
• Acid Reflux / GERD: The stomach acid that comes up into your mouth can slowly weaken and erode the enamel, especially on the back teeth.
• Diabetes: When blood sugar is harder to manage, the chance of developing decay increases.
• Eating Disorders: Conditions like bulimia can repeatedly expose your teeth to stomach acid which weakens enamel over time.

Aggressive Dietary and Lifestyle Factors:

• Frequent use of acidic drinks like soda, sports drinks, coffee or even wine.
• Regular snacking or grazing throughout the day which doesn’t give your teeth a break.
• Sugary, sticky foods that cling to the teeth and break down slowly.

Dental Hygiene Practices:

• Brushing right after acidic or sugary foods (you should wait around 30 minutes).
• Using products that are too abrasive such as some whitening toothpastes.
• Skipping flossing or only brushing once a day.

What to Expect at the Dentist

Once you make that emergency appointment, it helps to know what will likely happen so you feel more prepared.

Comprehensive Exam & X-rays:

Your dentist will take a close look at the tooth and surrounding teeth to see how deep the decay goes. X-rays help spot cavities hiding between the teeth or areas not visible to the eye.

Treatment Plan Discussion:

After the exam, you will be walked through what needs to be done. This may include fillings, crowns, or in severe cases a removal of the tooth. Your dentist may also suggest using a high-fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride varnish to help slow down or stop the progression of the decay.

Advanced Diagnostics:

Some clinics may perform a Caries Risk Assessment. This test looks at your saliva level, bacteria levels, and other risk factors to better understand why the decay progressed so quickly.

Long-Term Prevention and Maintenance

Once the immediate issue is managed, your next focus is preventing things from getting worse. Making slow, steady changes can really help protect your teeth going forward.

Diet & Habits:

• Try to limit snacking and reduce the amount of time you “sip” on acidic drinks.
• Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol can help increase saliva production.

Product Upgrades:

• Using an electric toothbrush (either rotating or sonic) can give a more consistent clean.
• A water flosser can help reach tricky spots, especially if you have tight spaces or dental work.

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Dentist London