Tooth Decay Treatment in Kenya

Tooth decay treatment in Kenya is a relatively new subject. That is because most people who suffer from this problem will go for the traditional method of dealing with tooth decay, tooth extraction. With advancements in technology and increased awareness about tooth decay and cavities, alternatives to extractions are slowly but steadily gathering pace. That is because patients now have access to better treatment and consultation dental clinics than before.

In this article, we will seek to educate you about tooth decay and treatment. You will learn about the causes, the symptoms to look out for, how a diagnosis is made, the stages of tooth decay, the risk factors, and how to prevent tooth decay. It will also show why you should get your tooth decay treatment services from Royal Smiles Dental Clinic, a fast-rising reputable clinic with many established branches and many more on the way across the country.

Tooth decay happens when the hard part of the teeth, the enamel, is destroyed. Some particles remain on the tooth’s surface when you eat carbohydrates, that is, food with sugars or starch. When these remains are digested by bacteria that are permanently in the mouth, they produce acids. When these acids are combined with your saliva and accumulate over time, they form plaque, which is the one that starts eroding the enamel of your teeth, causing holes after some time of build-up. These holes are dental cavities or caries.

Anyone can develop cavities, but they are more common in young children below the age of 16 and aged people above 50 years. That is because young children do not know how to take care of their teeth properly, while aged people are more susceptible to gum diseases and gum recession, which exposes the tooth roots to plaque, the cause of cavities.

Development of Teeth Decay

As we have said, teeth decay causes cavities which are caused by plaque build-up on the surface of the teeth. But decay is a process that happens over time. The following is how teeth decay develops:

Plaque formation. After eating sugars and starches, some will remain on your teeth’ surface. Bacteria feeding on these remains create a sticky substance that coats your teeth. That is plaque. If you don’t clean your teeth, that plaque will continue accumulating and slowly harden into tartar, which is harder to remove. Tartar forms a shield for bacteria, which starts the decay process.

Plaque attacks. After sufficient plaque build-up on the surface of your teeth, the eroding phase begins. The produced acid will slowly but gradually start eroding your teeth, being slow at first since the outer layer is harder and gathering pace as it reaches the softer parts of your teeth. You may start to notice the changes happening to your teeth during this phase, but without an expert’s opinion, you may not understand properly what is happening with your teeth. That’s why you need a dental examination every once a year so that these problems can be noticed in their infancy. Royal Smiles Dental Clinic has very fair rates for dental exams here in Kenya.

Full destruction. It is the final phase of a bacterial attack. At this time, the bacteria have continued to the innermost part of the teeth, which is the softest and will form the best nest for their growth and multiplication. Rapid multiplication will take you very little time to start feeling pain, which will increase with time, and if the decay is not handled properly, you may lose the affected teeth.

Stages of Tooth Decay

The above-mentioned phases form the general development of cavities. But teeth decay is a process that may be long or short, depending on your oral health. The following are the stages of tooth decay:

1. Enamel demineralization

Enamel demineralization is when the enamel starts losing its sturdiness. The enamel is considered the hardest part of the body and is composed of several different minerals. The enamel will, however, start losing these minerals to the acid produced by plaque bacteria.

It is a slow and gradual process since these acids will have to attack the enamel for a long time before any results. The first signs of this process have begun are unexplained visible white spots on the surface of your teeth. At this stage, should you visit a dental clinic, the process is easy to stop and reverse.

2. Enamel withering

Enamel withering or decay happens when the demineralization is complete. That is after the initial stage of tooth decay has been stopped. The white spots on the surface of your teeth will now begin turning into a brownish colour and become very visible. These brownish spots are now the beginning of cavities/caries, the holes in your teeth.

Having not stopped the process of tooth decay by simple methods like improved oral health care (brushing and flossing constantly), when tooth decay starts forming cavities, only a dentist can now fill the cavities. You will need to see a dentist immediately when you notice these holes or unexplained brownish spots on the surface of your teeth. You can check here for the best dental filling services in Kenya.

3. Dentin decay

Dentin decay is the next level of the tooth decay process. The dentin is the next part of the tooth, just under the enamel. For the bacteria to reach this part, it means they have completely eroded the enamel. The dentin is much softer than the enamel; therefore, it offers little challenge to the fast-spreading and multiplying bacteria.

Since the dentin contains the tubes leading to the tooth nerves, it won’t take long before you start experiencing sensitivity in your teeth. That is more so after a cold or hot drink or food. That sensitivity clearly indicates that your teeth’ decaying process has reached an advanced level, which requires immediate medical intervention.

4. Damage to the pulp

Damage to the pulp is the next stage in your teeth decay process. The pulp is the innermost part of your tooth and also the softest. It contains the nerve endings to your tooth; hence it provides the tooth with sensation. Damage to the pulp causes irritation, which leads to swelling. Because your tooth cannot expand to accommodate the swelling, the nerves will be extremely pressured.

When the nerves start experiencing this undue pressure, you will begin to feel pain. The pain at this stage comes and goes, but the intervals keep decreasing as the damage continues. Most people will try using painkillers and other remedies to manage the pain when it happens, but they are unaware that they are only making a bad situation worse.

5. Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess is the final stage of the decay process. When the decay is not stopped and bacteria continue multiplying in the pulp, they will cause an infection. That infection will produce pockets of puss at the root of your tooth. These pockets of puss are the tooth abscess. At this stage, the pain is unbearable, and you will feel like it radiates throughout your jaw and head. Many people take the problem seriously at this stage, with expensive treatments and others seeking emergency dental attention.

Due to the insufferable pain at this stage of tooth decay, many patients will opt for total tooth extraction as it offers the quickest remedy to the pain and also being the least expensive. However, a reputable dentist will present you with alternative treatment methods that are aimed at saving the tooth. Remember that as the infection continues, the harder it becomes to save your tooth, with completely decayed teeth leaving no other options but extractions.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Now that you know how tooth decay develops and the stages it will go through; you need to know the symptoms to look out for; upon seeing which, you need to consult your dentist immediately for further checkups and treatment. The following are the common signs that your tooth is decayed or decaying:

• The first sign to watch out for is toothache and other unexplained pain in the teeth or mouth. When you feel that kind of pain, you are supposed to seek help immediately.
• Sensitivity on the teeth is also a sign to watch out for, especially when drinking or eating cold, hot, or sweet substances.
• Black, brown, or grey spots on your teeth that seem permanent should also cause worry when seen.
• You should also look for small holes or pits on the surface of your teeth.
• Bad breath from your mouth, even after brushing your teeth or flossing, can also be a sign of tooth decay.
• A bad taste in your mouth that cannot be explained or seem to go away should also concern you.
• Pain, when you clench your teeth together, indicates a problem with your teeth that should be investigated.
• Bleeding gums or other signs of gum diseases can also be caused by tooth decay.
• A swelling face, especially on the jawbone, should be checked into.
• Unexplained redness inside or around the mouth.

Diagnosing Tooth Decay

While some of the symptoms, like severe toothaches and spots on the surface of the teeth, are a clear sign of tooth decay, others, like swelling of the gums, bleeding of the gums, or bad breath, are not conclusive. That means a dentist needs to perform other tests or use other methods to determine tooth decay.

The best time for a dentist to determine tooth decay is during the annual or biannual dental examination. Cavities detected during this time mean they are still in the early stages, which means they can easily be reversed. That is why it is strongly advised to have these exams at least once a year without fail.

The doctor will need to use special equipment when he suspects tooth decay. This equipment will be used to probe the suspected tooth, which should help the dentist form a conclusive opinion. Decayed teeth are softer and produce a different sound when compared to healthy teeth.

The dentist can also ask for a dental x-ray when he suspects tooth decay, but there are no visible signs. X-rays provide the best proof of decay and are also the best for catching tooth decay at the tentative stages.

Tooth Decay Treatment in Kenya

Having suspected tooth decay and going to the dentist for a diagnosis and confirmation, you should now know about the treatment options available to you. The treatment for teeth decay will largely depend on its stage of development, with the following options available:

1. Fluoride

Flouride is used when the decay process is in the initial demineralization stage. It is the easiest way to reverse and prevent further decay. Fluoride is used to repair the damaged enamel, a process called remineralization. Apart from receiving specialized fluoride treatment at the dentist’s office, you may also get a prescription for special toothpaste and flossing agent, like mouthwash.

At the dentist’s office, fluoride will be applied to your teeth like gel or varnish. The fluoride will make the enamel stronger and resist acid attacks from plaque bacteria. You will also be strongly advised to use fluoride toothpaste and tap water. Tap water is usually treated with fluoride, which is also a germ-killing agent. That is why people who regularly drink water are less vulnerable o tooth decay than those who use bottled water.

2. Dental fillings and crowns

Dental fillings and crowns are used when the decay is at the enamel and dentin stages. Fillings are essential when small holes, or cavities, have already formed on the enamel. The dentist will first use special tools to clear any visible marks of decay on your teeth before filling them with resin, dental amalgam, ceramic, or even gold. Apart from gold which enhances the appearance and looks of your teeth, the other materials look exactly like your teeth, making it impossible to tell whether anything has been done to your teeth.

When the decay has reached the dentin, the treatment will depend on how severe the damage is. The dentist will use dental fillings after removing the decayed part when the damage is noticed in the initial stage of attacking the dentin. However, when the damage is advanced, the doctor will use dental crowns after the fillings. That is because the dentin is softer than the enamel, and using fillings alone may not completely stop or prevent further damage.

3. Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is necessary for pulp damage and the abscess stages of tooth decay. This treatment involves drilling the infected tooth up to the pulp and removing the decayed nerves, blood vessels, and tissues. The endodontist will then clean the pulp chamber as much as possible since it is the breeding ground of bacteria, and re-infection may occur if it’s not properly cleaned. After the cleaning, the tooth is filled with fillings, and a crown is placed on the tooth.

Root canal treatment is mostly a surgical procedure that requires the proper tools, environment, and expertise to pull through. Many people who have had their root canal procedures shoddily done have had to endure a re-occurrence of the infection, which means starting the process again and spending more resources for the same treatment. Ensure you find the right dentist and dental care facilities for this procedure to have it properly done. For those in Kenya, you can always look for a Royal Smiles Dental Clinic branch near you for this treatment.

4. Antibiotics

Antibiotics can also be used to treat tooth decay, but only in special circumstances. The prescription fights bacteria, especially when the damage is in the pulp stage. However, doctors prefer not to use antibiotics for these treatments because of their ineffectiveness. The drugs can kill a large portion of the bacteria, but eliminating them is difficult. That means over 90% of the people who try treating these bacteria with antibiotics do not succeed, with re-infection occurring almost immediately.

As indicated above, root canal treatment is a surgical procedure, and some groups of people may be at a higher risk during surgeries. Expectant mothers or people with blood clot problems are not supposed to undergo surgical procedures unless absolutely unavoidable. Those are the groups of people who are allowed to use antibiotics in case of tooth decay.

5. Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is the last method used to deal with tooth decay in Kenya. It is said to be the easiest and cheapest method to treat tooth decay, especially at the dentin and abscess stages. However, the method is also the most expensive, considering the costs involved in replacing lost teeth. No dentist worth their salt will recommend a tooth extraction without exhausting all other possible ways of treatment.

The goal of any teeth treatment process should be to save the teeth and not lose them. Therefore, should your dentist suggest tooth extraction without exploring other methods or at least advising you of all other alternatives, that’s a clear sign you are dealing with the wrong dentist. For the best tooth decay consultations, treatments, or extractions in Kenya, check out a Royal Smiles Dental Clinic branch near you.

Factors Increasing the Risk of Tooth Decay

Dentists say that as long you have teeth, there is a risk of tooth decay. But there are some factors that contribute greatly to the development of tooth decay and cavities. The following are the factors that increase that risk:

• Location of the tooth. The back teeth, molars, and premolars are at the highest risk of decay. That is because they have uneven rough surfaces which act as hiding spots for bacteria and food particles. They are also harder to reach, which means they are hardly cleaned properly by many people, especially children.
• Types of foods and drinks. Certain types of foods and drinks remain on the surface of your teeth for a long time and are not easily removed by saliva. Foods like milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy and mints, dry cereal, and chips expose your teeth to a higher risk of decay.
• Constantly snacking and sipping. There are those who will keep a sugary snack or drink close by and continuously eat or drink all day long in small bits. Doing that gives the bacteria in your mouth a constant opportunity to keep producing acids that erode your teeth’s enamel. You are exposing your teeth to damage all day long.
• Bedtime baby feeding. When you feed your baby or toddler sugary foods or drinks before they sleep, the remains of the foods and drinks will stay on their teeth for the rest of the night, increasing their risk of tooth decay. It is also the same for those who wake up to feed their babies and toddlers at night.
• Lack of brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth and flossing is very important immediately after eating to avoid bacteria buildup and the starting of the decay process.
• Lack of enough fluoride. To keep improving the enamel’s sturdiness, fluoride is constantly needed. It is an ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste and mouth rinses. It is also found in public water supply systems. However, it is not found in bottled water, which puts those who take such water at an increased risk.
• Age bracket. Your age may also be a risk factor when it comes to tooth decay. Young children below the age of 16 are at higher risk of tooth decay because they don’t know how to clean their teeth properly. Older people past the age of 60 are also at an increased risk due to gum recession and teeth wearing down, increasing the chances of root decay.
• Dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in washing food and drink remains from the surface of your teeth. When saliva production is low, and you have a dry mouth, the risk of tooth decay increases. Medications and procedures to the head, like chemotherapy, are the leading causes of dry mouth.
• Fillings and dental devices. When fillings loosen with time, it creates hiding and breeding grounds for bacteria since they are hard to clean. Also, when dental devices like braces stop fitting well, bacteria will breed underneath and be very hard to remove. Both these scenarios are the leading causes of tooth decay for those with prior dental procedures.
• Heartburn. When gastric acid flows to your mouth due to heartburn, it increases the acidity levels in the mouth, increasing the rate at which the enamel is worn down and increasing the chances of tooth decay.
• Continuous vomiting. When stomach acids wash over your mouth due to vomiting, you risk increased chances of tooth decay due to dissolving enamel. If you are constantly vomiting, ensure that you brush your teeth after every bout.

Prevention of Tooth Decay

Now that you know about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors of tooth decay, you should learn what preventive measures to take to avoid dental decay. The following are some tips on how to prevent cavities:

• Brush and floss after eating or drinking. Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing and floss with a mouth rinse to clean between the teeth.
• Frequently visit the dentist. A dental visit helps you and your dentist better understand your teeth’ condition and what needs to be done to improve dental health.
• Use sealants. Children and older people are advised to consider using sealants so that they can improve the strength of the enamel. Sealants last for years before they need to be replaced, but they should be checked regularly.
• Drink tap water. Water from public services contains an increased level of fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and can also reverse the damage at earlier stages. Do not always depend on bottled water.
• Eat teeth-friendly food. Some foods and drinks will stick to your teeth for long periods, increasing the risk of dental decay. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow, and unsweetened coffee, tea, and sugar-free gum help wash away food particles.
• Use fluoride treatments. Those who are at higher risk of dental decay should consider using dental treatments regularly. That is because such treatments will improve the sturdiness of the enamel hence reducing the risk of decay.
• Use antibacterial treatments. This is especially for those with other medical conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to dental decay. The dentist should prescribe antibacterial medicine to help decrease bacteria buildup in the mouth.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Smoking affects the production of saliva, which helps keep your teeth clean, increasing the risk of dental decay. Alcohol increases the acidity levels in the mouth, which will make the erosion of the enamel faster, hence causing decay.

FAQs About Tooth Decay Treatment in Kenya

Bottom Line

Tooth decay can result in unbearable pain and loss of teeth if not properly handled. Unfortunately, many people only realize they have dental decay when the process has already developed considerably, and the pain has set in. Dental decay at the pulp damage or abscess development stages is very painful to the patient, and you need immediate medical attention if you are to keep the tooth.

Many dentists may be tempted to go for extraction since it is the simplest and the easiest method to treat dental decay. However, if you choose a proper dental facility with professional dentists, you will at least get the benefits of being advised on all available options which are available in order to save your tooth. Remember that extraction is final, and the tooth will be lost forever, and replacing lost teeth may be more expensive in the long run than treatment.

In Kenya, Royal Smiles Dental Clinic is among the best dental facilities. That is because of their professionalism and dedication when it comes to dental matters. With several branches in the country and a rapidly increasing network, you can trust these professionals for your tooth decay treatment. The next time you need a dental decay exam or treatment, be sure to get the services from the following branches of the clinic if you happen to be in their vicinity:

Greenspan Branch Greenspan Area (Donholm Phase 8 ) Opposite Greenspan Mall Gate A.

Embakasi Branch Somo Plaza, Embakasi.

Garden City Branch Garden City Business Park, 1st Floor, Block A, Suite A-103 Thika Road.

Ruaka Branch Ruaka Square Mall 4th Floor, Suite 409, Kiambu County.

Dandora Branch Dandora.

Kitengela Branch Wandu House Second Floor.

Machakos Branch Machakos Doctors Plaza, Ground Floor, Machakos Town.

Nakuru Branch CK Patel Building 5th Floor, Suite 5A, Nakuru Town.