Embark on a Journey Towards Long-Lasting Oral Health
At our practice, we acknowledge the prevalence of tooth decay but want to reassure our patients that they need not resign themselves to its effects, even if they have faced challenges with it previously. Your oral health is impacted by multiple factors, and we want to emphasize that our compassionate team is committed to preventing decay.
If you've ever been to the dentist, you know that we have a wide range of tools for taking care of your teeth beyond just a toothbrush and floss. Along with removing plaque, our collection of hand tools and handpieces are specifically designed to eliminate hardened deposits known as tartar or calculus, which are difficult to remove on your own with just a toothbrush and floss. During a cleaning appointment, we also thoroughly examine your teeth for any signs of decay. If we discover a problem, we will discuss the best course of action to address it promptly, whether it be a filling, crown, or another treatment if the decay is more severe. Naturally, our preferred outcome is when we find no signs of decay whatsoever. Understanding how decay begins is an excellent way to reinforce your knowledge on how to prevent it.
Tooth decay: What is it?
Tooth decay is statistically ranked as the second most prevalent illness among humans, with the common cold taking the top spot. Neglecting treatment for tooth decay can result in pain and more serious complications like abscesses or systemic infections, not to mention the loss of teeth. Data suggests that nearly every adult has experienced tooth decay at some point. Our objective is to reverse this trend, starting with our local community. We aim to achieve this by educating our patients on the causes and prevention of tooth decay.
It seems that there is a misunderstanding stemming from our childhood teachings regarding tooth decay and cavities. The misconception suggests that by simply avoiding sugar, we can prevent cavities. However, the reality is that there is no singular solution to prevent tooth decay. Instead, cavity prevention requires a combination of positive habits, regular maintenance, and professional care. To achieve a cavity-free smile, it is important to follow several key steps, without any particular order, such as maintaining a healthy diet, practicing a thorough daily oral hygiene routine, and regularly visiting our dental office for teeth cleanings and checkups.
Tooth Decay: What Causes It
Just like the rest of your body, your mouth harbors both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Failing to maintain proper oral hygiene can lead to an imbalance, allowing the harmful bacteria to dominate. These bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid, which can harm your teeth by wearing down the protective enamel and dentin layers. Additionally, consuming highly acidic foods like lemons, tomatoes, and soft drinks can further weaken and erode your teeth.
Ensuring the Health of Your Oral Cavity
- If your mouth is in an ideal condition, your body's own immune responses and mechanisms, including healthy saliva containing tooth-building minerals, work to repair damage and prevent bad bacteria from getting out of control.
- The goal of preventing decay is to maintain your mouth in this healthy, balanced condition at all times.
- If you brush and floss correctly, receive sufficient fluoride, limit your consumption of acidic or sugary foods, and visit the dentist regularly, achieving this should be easy for you.
Preventing Tooth Decay: A Guide
- However, some patients face challenges in preventing tooth decay, and we are happy to provide guidance.
- If you've had a few run-ins with cavities, you may benefit from a refresher course on your brushing or flossing techniques, which we're happy to provide at your next visit.
- You can enhance the effectiveness of your at-home hygiene with special toothpaste, mouth rinses, toothbrushes, or floss options. We're happy to recommend these products if we believe they will benefit you.
- Nutritional counseling is another option to ensure decay-causing bacteria doesn't get too much fuel.
- In children whose hygiene skills are still developing, sealing the deepest grooves on their back teeth can help prevent decay until they're older and better at caring for their own teeth.