16 Apr Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is serious: it’s the destruction of the tooth’s enamel (the enamel is the hard, outer part of the tooth). Tooth decay is caused when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Bacteria are constantly in our mouths, however, when we eat food or drink drinks with sugars, then the bacteria can produce more and more acids.
Tooth decay is common in children and adolescence. And this is one of the reasons to take children twice a year for a checkup at the dentist. If children are taken to the dentist early in life, and given a good experience in the dental chair, they are far more likely to become adults who go in for regular dental checkups, unafraid. And, as confident as they will be, their dentist can fix small problems such as cavities, immediately. Encourage children to keep to a quality, routine oral health practice. Make sure they brush twice every single day, and, for those old enough, floss at least once every day. And explain to children just why sugary drinks and foods are bad for their teeth. Teach them about limiting snacking, and the benefits of drinking water.
But adults, too, can have problems from tooth decay. As we age, our gums recede, and open surfaces of the tooth to attack. Also prevalent, for adults, is gum disease, with statistics claiming that most adults will have it in their lifetime. Gum disease opens pockets near the teeth, which expose the roots of the teeth to plaque. These areas can be very difficult to keep clean, and, if a patient has a condition such as gum disease—be it gingivitis or the more devastating periodontal disease—then it’s best to make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Your dentist can prescribe a course of treatment for the gum disease, looking at the severity of the case. Also, adults can develop tooth decay around the margins of old fillings. Fillings can wear down, crack or break, and bacteria can fill these crevices and make a home.
If you have any questions about tooth decay, call Silver Creek Family Dentistry today.
No Comments