The Battle Against Tooth Decay: Winning Strategies

At myHealth Dentistry, we understand that maintaining good oral health is crucial for a healthy, happy life. One of the most common dental issues we see in our patients is tooth decay, also known as dental caries. But don't worry! With proper care and regular checkups, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities. In fact, 60-90% of children worldwide and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities, but with the right knowledge and habits, tooth decay is largely preventable.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay develops because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to your teeth. It begins when a sticky film called plaque accumulates on the surfaces of your teeth. Harmful bacteria in dental plaque metabolize the sugars in your diet, producing acids that can eat away at healthy tooth structure over time. Without proper care, a cavity can lead to significant damage to your teeth, irreversible nerve damage, and even tooth loss or more severe health consequences.

Several factors can contribute to your risk of developing tooth decay:

• Insufficient Oral Hygiene Practices - By not regularly brushing and flossing your teeth or seeing your dentist for periodic dental cleanings and care, dental plaque will accumulate and lead to the formation of cavities and gum disease.
• Poor Nutrition - A diet high in sugars, frequent snacking, and acidic food and drinks create an oral environment that promotes tooth decay.
• Dry Mouth - When adequate dental saliva is not available due to medical conditions or as a side effect of some prescription drugs, cavities are more likely to develop.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) - Chronic teeth grinding strips away the outer protective layer of enamel and makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay.
• Enamel Defects and Deeply Grooved Teeth - Deep crevices or defects in dental enamel harbor plaque, making these areas likely spots for cavities to develop.
• Receding Gums - Exposed tooth roots due to receding gums do not have the added protection of an outer layer of dental enamel. With the accumulation of dental plaque, these roots are susceptible to decay.

Protecting your teeth from decay: Simple steps for a healthy smile

At our office, we provide the highest level of skilled and experienced care to help reduce your risk for tooth decay and diagnose cavities early in their onset when they are typically the easiest to treat. Remember, excellent oral hygiene, a nutritious diet low in sweets, routine dental cleanings, checkups, and care are the best ways to protect the health of your smile. Our professional team provides essential dietary guidance and will demonstrate the best home care methods to help patients of all ages maintain optimal oral health.

By brushing and flossing your teeth each day as recommended, you can help prevent the buildup of dental plaque, which is responsible for dental disease. Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, plaque can still hide and harden in spots too difficult for a toothbrush to reach. For this reason, we advise professional teeth cleanings twice a year at checkup time. In this way, our hygienist can remove any residual plaque you may have missed while brushing and guide you on better practices for maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home.

For children, who are particularly vulnerable to cavities, we also provide periodic fluoride treatments and place dental sealants to strengthen and shield their teeth. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and enjoy a healthy, happy smile for years to come.

Treating tooth decay and restoring teeth

While being proactive is the best way to prevent tooth decay, there's no need to despair if a cavity does develop. With early detection and care, our dentist will gently and precisely excavate the diseased and damaged tooth structure and place a long-lasting filling to rebuild the integrity of your tooth. We use the latest generations of biocompatible tooth-colored materials to expertly restore the appearance and function of your tooth. Your new restoration will be durable, attractive, and blend seamlessly with your smile. For deep tooth decay, we may recommend a full-coverage crown and additional treatment as indicated.

Get in touch with us today!

If you're ready to take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at myHealth Dentistry. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health and enjoy the confidence that comes with a beautiful, cavity-free smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.