Tribune OnlineTribune OnlineTribune Online
  • Home
  • News
  • Columns
  • Editorial
  • VIDEOS
  • Entertainment
  • Politics
  • Health
  • Opinions
  • SPORTING TRIBUNE
Reading: My problem with tooth decay
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Tribune OnlineTribune Online
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Columns
  • Editorial
  • VIDEOS
  • Entertainment
  • Politics
  • Health
  • Opinions
  • SPORTING TRIBUNE
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2026 African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc. All Rights Reserved. | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Corrections Policy | Terms & Conditions
Home » My problem with tooth decay
Ask the DoctorColumns

My problem with tooth decay

Dr. Wale Okediran
May 4, 2024
Share
My problem with tooth decay
Add as a preferred source

I have been having the problem of tooth decay for the past one year. Kindly let me know how to solve the problem.

Dauda (by SMS)

 

Cavities are holes, or areas of tooth decay, that form in your teeth surfaces. Causes include plaque buildup, eating lots of sugary snacks and poor oral hygiene. Treatments include dental fillings, root canal therapy and tooth extraction. The sooner you treat a cavity, the better your chance for a predictable outcome and optimal oral healt. Many factors play a role in the development of cavities.

Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugary, starchy foods and drinks (fruit, candy, bread, cereal, sodas, juice and milk). The bacteria convert these carbohydrates into acids. Bacteria, acid, food and saliva mix to form dental plaque. This sticky substance coats your teeth. Without proper brushing and flossing, acids in plaque dissolve tooth enamel, creating cavities, or holes, in the enamel surface. Tooth decay treatment depends on the severity of your condition.

Cavity treatments include: Fluoride, Fillings, Root canal therapy and Tooth extraction. In the very early stages of tooth decay, fluoride treatments can repair damaged enamel — a process called remineralization. This can reverse the early signs of cavities. You may need prescription toothpaste and mouthwash, as well as fluoride treatments at the dental office.

Once a hole forms in your tooth, a dentist drills out the decayed tissue and fills the hole. Dental fillings consist of composite resin (a tooth-colored material), silver amalgam or gold. Root canal therapy relieves pain from advanced tooth decay. Endodontists (specialists who treat issues that affect a tooth’s root) usually perform the procedure. During root canal treatment, an endodontist removes the tooth pulp, then fills the canals and pulp chamber with gutta-percha (a special filling material). In some cases, you might also need a dental crown to strengthen the affected tooth. If root canal therapy isn’t possible, your healthcare provider may recommend tooth extraction (pulling the tooth). You may need a dental bridge or dental implant to replace a pulled permanent tooth. Your dentist can tell you about your specific options.

Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can get rid of plaque, acids and cavity-causing bacteria. Good teeth and gum care includes: Brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal.

Cutting back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks. Daily flossing to get rid of food and plaque stuck between your teeth. Dental checkups at least twice a year. (You might need more frequent visits if you’re prone to tooth decay, gum disease or other oral health issues.) Dental sealants to protect the top chewing surfaces of your teeth.

ALSO READ: Shell signs agreement to build gas pipelines in Oyo


WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV

  • Back to School, Back to Business A Fresh Start

  • Relationship Hangout: Public vs Private Proposals – Which Truly Wins in Love?

  • “No” Is a Complete Sentence: Why You Should Stop Feeling Guilty

  • Relationship Hangout: Friendship Talk 2025 – How to Be a Good Friend & Big Questions on Friendship

  • Police Overpower Armed Robbers in Ibadan After Fierce Struggle


    Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more.
    Join our WhatsApp Channel now


TAGGED:Decayproblemtooth
Previous Article children lack access to vaccines, polio eradication in Lake Chad Basin, Gaza ceasefire: $10bn needed to restore healthcare system — WHO WHO advocates data-driven approach to tackle malaria in Nigeria
Next Article Drooling while sleeping My high blood sugar level Sleep and good health

Most Read

  • Opay to customers: How to check eligibility for FG’s N50,000 cash support
    Opay to customers: How to check eligibility for FG’s N50,000 cash support
  • How I graduated with 5.00 CGPA — UNILORIN best graduating student
    How I graduated with 5.00 CGPA — UNILORIN best graduating student
  • Netanyahu's era winds down as Arab Joint List backs Eisenkot to form Israeli govt
    Netanyahu's era winds down as Arab Joint List backs Eisenkot to form Israeli govt
  • EXPLAINER: How beneficiaries will be selected for FG's N50,000 relief fund
    EXPLAINER: How beneficiaries will be selected for FG's N50,000 relief fund
  • FCTA eyes $1.5bn green investment to overhaul Abuja's energy and transport sectors
    FCTA eyes $1.5bn green investment to overhaul Abuja's energy and transport sectors
  • ADC appeals Lifu judgment, asks INEC to await Court of Appeal
    ADC appeals Lifu judgment, asks INEC to await Court of Appeal
  • 2027: Kalu rejects four-year deal for Igbo Presidency
    2027: Kalu rejects four-year deal for Igbo Presidency
  • 2027: Court nullifies Atiku’s emergence as ADC presidential candidate
    2027: Court nullifies Atiku’s emergence as ADC presidential candidate
  • We must give our children confidence, capability to be part of digital future — Awolowo Dosumu
    We must give our children confidence, capability to be part of digital future — Awolowo Dosumu
  • Uzbekistan places temporary visa ban on Nigerians
    Uzbekistan places temporary visa ban on Nigerians

Frontpage Today

Subscribe to e-Paper

E-Vending, e paper, pdf, e-paper, Tribune
QUICK LINKS

About Us
Advertise with Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
Editorial Policy
Corrections Policy
Terms & Conditions
COLUMNS

Aplomb
Ask The Doctor
Autoclinic With The Mechanic
Awo's Thought
Empowered For Life
Festus Adebayo's Flickers
Gibbers
Intimacy
Language & Style
Leadership & Management
Lynx Eye
Monday Lines
Mum & Child
Natural Health
Notes from Atlanta with Farooq Kperogi
On The Lord's Day
Your Life Counts

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment

RELIGION

Tribune Church
Church News
Muslim Sermon
Eye of Islam
Islamic News

EDITORIAL

Editorial
Opinion
Letters
News Extra

BUSINESS

Capital Market
Money Market

REGIONS

Niger Delta
Arewa
MORE

Sexuality & Health
Special Report
Sports
Tourism
Travelpulse & MICE
Weekend Lagos
Book Review
Education
Event Digest
Crime & Court
Ecoscope
Energy
Maritime
Aviation
Brands & Marketing
Agriculture
Info Tech
Labour
Leadership & Management
Arts & Culture
Arts & Reviews
Politics
Health News
© 2026 African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc. All Rights Reserved. | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Corrections Policy | Terms & Conditions

Add Tribune Online to your Homescreen!

Add
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?