Wisdom tooth cavity is one of the most common dental issues faced by the world population till date. This is because wisdom teeth grow in the most vulnerable and difficult-to-clean places in our mouths. With time, they develop cavities, hence affecting nearby teeth and causing periodontal diseases. Around 19% of the global adult population is affected by periodontal disease.
Therefore, it is important to understand how wisdom tooth cavity is developed and how one can treat it. In the following article, we will dive into understanding the link between diet, bacteria, and wisdom tooth cavity formation. By understanding this relationship, we can protect our oral health by various treatments as given below.
What is wisdom tooth cavity?
In order to understand wisdom tooth cavity, we must first know what a wisdom tooth is. Wisdom teeth are a set of third molars that grow in the back of our mouth and are the last teeth to emerge, that too in adults.
Wisdom tooth cavity refers to decay of wisdom tooth. There can be many reasons for wisdom tooth cavities, one of the most common ones being the difficulty of cleaning. This is because they are grown at the back of our mouth, making it challenging for a toothbrush to reach deep into the spaces. The other reasons can be:
- Poor hygiene
- Diet
- Impaction
Symptoms
Even though it is rare for wisdom teeth to get too complicated, 10% of individuals get prolonged bleeding. One must know and understand the symptoms of a wisdom tooth cavity to detect it early and treat it with tooth filling or other treatment options. Following are some of the symptoms of a wisdom tooth cavity:
- Pain
- Extreme sensitivity
- Swelling or bleeding
- Discomfort when eating something
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
Risk factors for wisdom tooth cavity
There are various risk factors for wisdom tooth cavity, some of them mentioned below:
- Using fluoride-less toothpaste
- Not cleaning your teeth often, leading to bacterial accumulation
- Consuming lots of sweets and sodas
- Dry mouth
- Not maintaining a good oral hygiene
- Stomach acidity
How does diet affect wisdom teeth?
Even if you brush your teeth daily, you may still be at risk of getting a wisdom tooth cavity. Diet is a major component that affects your teeth. A diet that is high in carbohydrates and sugars is like fuel to the harmful bacteria in your mouth.
This helps bacteria to grow, which results in cavities. This eventually requires tooth filling and other dental treatments. If you find decayed teeth, make sure to contact your insurance provider for your dental insurance and get treated as soon as possible.
Following is a guide to which foods you should eat and which to not eat in order to maintain your oral health.
- Foods that cause decay
Certain sugar containing and acidic food items are notorious for health. Examples include:
- Chocolate
- Gummies
- Candies
- Sodas
- Pickles
- Vinegar
- Bread
- Crackers.
These foods can stick to the teeth and are difficult to come off, leading to cavities and periodontal diseases.
- Foods that prevent decay
Foods that prevent decay are:
- Cheese
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Wholegrains
- Nuts
- Fruits and vegetables
These foods are rich in probiotics and have calcium, phosphate and various vitamins such as vitamin B. Moreover, fruits and vegetables mentioned above, help neutralize the acidity caused by beverages and other acidic foods.
- Foods that improve oral health
Foods that help improve oral health are:
- Greens: they are composed of vitamins and folic acid which help support gum health.
- Apples: Apples are rich in fiber and water. This causes the salivary glands in our mouth to produce more saliva and flush the bacteria out of your teeth.
- Almonds: They are a calcium and protein rich source. They help improve tooth enamel and make the teeth strong against cavities.
- Carrots: Carrots also produce saliva and help the bacteria to rinse away.
- Green tea: Green tea is an antioxidant that helps reduce bacteria.
The link between bacteria and wisdom tooth cavity
As discussed earlier, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean because of their position in the mouth. This is because the tooth brush is unable to reach those spaces. Due to less cleaning at the back, different foods get stuck in the teeth, which act as a fuel for bacteria to grow in the teeth.
The bacteria starts accumulating in the teeth and causes the tooth enamel to wear off, thus leading to a hole in the tooth known as a cavity. This can be treated through various treatment options, such as tooth filling, root canal and dental crowns.
Treatment options
Several treatment options are available for wisdom tooth cavity. They are as follow:
- Dental crowns: It is used to cover the damaged surface of a tooth. This covers the tooth like a shield and protects it from further damage.
- Root canal: It is one of the best options for cavities. In a root canal, the infectious pulp is removed and the cavity site is cleansed.
- Tooth filling: tooth filling refers to filling up the hole caused by a cavity. Your doctor may suggest tooth filling in the initial stages of cavity.
- Wisdom tooth extraction: Extraction is done when there are no other options left for treatment. It is used when the cavity is extensive.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth cavity is directly related to your diet and bacteria. Maintaining a good oral hygiene and diet can help prevent decay and offer a long-lasting protection. Many people get affected by wisdom tooth cavity mainly because of the position of their wisdom teeth, which makes it difficult to clean.
Are you also suffering through wisdom tooth cavities and looking for a good clinic? Don’t worry, Lycian Dental Clinic is the best option for you. At the Lycian clinic, we offer all kinds of treatments for cavities, including tooth filling and extraction.
