Last week, we looked at how gum disease could impact your oral health and why treatment is necessary to avoid tooth loss. Today, we would like to look at another serious oral health issue: tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists will discuss how we prevent cavities from forming, and our lifelike solutions to minor and advanced decay.
The Causes of Cavities
Each of our teeth are coated in a thin but powerful layer of enamel. The hardest substance in the entire human body, enamel is designed to protect the teeth from harmful bacteria and injury. However, when poor oral hygiene habits cause plaque buildup to form and weaken enamel, or an injury cracks or chips a tooth, this compromises the protective layer. The inner layers of dentin are now exposed to bacteria, which allows a cavity to form. The decay will grow and spread with time, and unless treated, could mean painful infections and for some, the loss of the tooth. Fortunately, a few simple changes to your routine could help prevent cavities from occurring!
Prevention
First, to limit plaque buildup try to cut back on sugar and starch-rich foods and drinks. Doing so helps deny harmful bacteria of fuel, and limits how much plaque accumulates on the teeth. You also fight buildup by brushing and flossing daily, which removes stray food particles from your smile. You should brush for two minutes when you wake up with a fluoride toothpaste, and do the same before bed. Fluoride helps keep your enamel strong! You also need to floss every evening, as this reaches what is beyond the reach of your toothbrush’s bristles. Finally, be sure you attend a checkup visit every six months. Not only will we keep an eye out for the warning signs of decay, but we also remove all plaque and tartar completely with a professional cleaning, safeguarding your tooth from cavities.
Treatment
But what should you do if a cavity has formed? If you attend checkups, then we likely discover this in the early stages. Otherwise, you may not know until your tooth feels sensitive or begins to ache. To treat it, we will remove the decay and apply a filling. Made from a metal-free composite resin, this filling will be color-matched to blend with your smile and offer a lifelike solution in only one visit! If you have any questions, then give us a call today.
Ready to Address Your Toothache?
With fillings and other restorations, we’re ready to help you enjoy a full smile. To learn more about the process of protecting your smile from cavities, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brighton, Watertown, and all surrounding communities.
