Everyone wants a perfectly healthy smile. However, almost all of us will encounter tooth decay at some point in our lives. While most cases are fixable by simple dental procedures or diet changes, severe tooth decay can create major health concerns. If this sounds like you, you are not alone! Mountain View Family Dental can provide expert options for tooth decay prevention. Let us share how tooth decay happens, how to recognize its symptoms, and what you can do to keep your smile healthy.
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth’s surface or enamel. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth create acids that attack the enamel, leading to cavities or more serious concerns like gum disease or abscesses.
Our mouths are full of good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria aid in digestion, but the harmful bacteria create acid that combines with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque that sticks to our teeth’s surface. Sugary, starchy foods especially contribute to plaque, creating more acid in our mouths that eats away at enamel and causes it to lose minerals, making it weaker. Tooth decay can be stopped if treated early; enamel can repair itself with minerals from saliva or fluoride from toothpaste or mouthwashes. If the process continues without proper cleaning, over time, the enamel will be destroyed, forming permanent damage.
What factors increase the risk of tooth decay?
There are several factors that contribute to tooth decay:
● Tooth location: Your back teeth are most susceptible to decay, as they are often difficult to reach with a toothbrush and have many grooves where food can get stuck.
● Diet: Some foods cling to the teeth or leave bacteria behind that create access plaque. Some of these foods include:
○ Ice cream
○ Honey
○ Sugar
○ Soda
○ Dried fruit
○ Cakes
○ Cookies
○ Hard candy
○ Dry cereal
○ Chips
● Frequent snacking or sipping: Steady snacking or sipping sugary drinks expose your teeth to more bacteria, producing more acid throughout the day that can wear down your enamel.
● Inadequate brushing: You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time to ensure harmful bacteria are being washed from your mouth. If you don’t brush frequently or for long enough, decay will form more quickly.
● Smoking and tobacco use: Using cigarettes or chewing tobacco can increase the risk of tooth decay. According to the CDC, over 40% of adults who currently smoke have untreated tooth decay.
● Worn-down fillings or dental devices: Plaque may stick to crevices under worn-down fillings or devices like braces or wires; this can create decay that is very hard to remove.
● Acid reflux: Since acid reflux can release stomach acid into the mouth, it can wear down the enamel.
Symptoms of tooth decay
The symptoms of tooth decay are so commonplace that you might not take them seriously. But if they persist, they can lead to larger problems.
● Toothaches
● Sensitivity to sweets or hot and cold foods
● White or brown stains on teeth
● Cavities
● Infections
● Abscesses
● Weight loss due to difficulty eating
● Tooth loss
How do dentists treat tooth decay?
Depending on the severity of the decay, your dentist can offer a few different solutions. They may suggest a fluoride rinse, which helps repair enamel in the early stages of decay. If a cavity has formed, they will do a filling to remove the decayed tissue and restore the tooth with a filling material. More advanced decay that reaches the inner tooth may require a root canal, where the dentist will clean the inside of the tooth and refill it with a filling or crown. In especially severe cases, the dentist may extract the tooth and replace it with a bridge or implant.
How can you prevent tooth decay?
Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits is the best way to prevent tooth decay. When you keep up with brushing twice a day thoroughly, flossing, and perhaps using a fluoride rinse, you will help keep your enamel strong. You should also visit the dentist every six months for regular cleanings and exams; this way, tooth decay can be addressed quickly before it causes permanent damage.
Sealants are also a great option for preventing decay on back teeth. Sealants seal off grooves that tend to collect food and protect the enamel from plaque and acid. The CDC recommends sealants for school age children, but they can be helpful at any age.
Lastly, eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and avoiding frequent consumption of sodas, sugary foods, or highly acidic food and drinks can help prevent tooth decay.
Mountain View Family Dental wants to help you maintain a healthy smile. Contact us today with any questions about preventing tooth decay.
