Helping Prevent the Dangers of Tooth Decay

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is damage within the mouth to a tooth’s enamel or surface. this decay happens when bacteria in your makes acids that attack the enamel. Tooth decay can lead to cavities (dental caries), which are holes in your teeth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Tooth decay factors?

Poor diet (consumption of sugary and acidic foods) and poor oral hygiene are the main reason for tooth decay for most people. However, some might be at higher risk due to:

  • Young Age: Babies and toddlers who drink from bottles are at risk. Children that are given juice or get bottles at bedtime will have their teeth exposed to sugar for long periods of time.
  • Saliva: A low production of saliva can sometimes be the case of bacterial damage. This may be due to medicines, certain diseases, or some cancer treatments.
  • Old Age: Many older adults have receding gum lines and wear on their teeth. These raise the risk of decay on the exposed root surfaces of their teeth.
  • Fluoride: Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities and can even reverse the earliest stages of tooth damage.
  • Eating disorders: Anorexia and bulimia can lead to significant tooth erosion and cavities. Stomach acid from repeated vomiting (purging) washes over the teeth and begins dissolving the enamel. Eating disorders also can interfere with saliva production.
  • Inadequate brushing: If you don’t clean your teeth after eating and drinking, plaque will begin to form quickly and the first stages of decay will start.

How to treat or prevent decay and cavities?

Below are several treatments for tooth decay and cavities:

  • Fluoride treatments: If you have early tooth decay, we often provide a fluoride treatment that can help the enamel repair itself.
  • Fillings: If you have a regular cavity, we can remove the decay around the tooth and then and then restore its shape and structure with a filling.
  • Root canal: If the damage to the tooth and/or an infection spreads to the pulp (inside of the tooth), you might need a root canal. We can remove the decayed pulp and clean inside the tooth and root. The next step is to fill the tooth with a temporary filling or same day crown.
  • Extraction (pulling the tooth): When the damage to the tooth cannot be fixed, we may need to pull the tooth.

Our Center for Oral Health

Your oral health is our number one goal at Dr. Dan Drake & Associates.  Whether you’re in need of routine preventive care, dental implants, cosmetic treatments, or require restorations, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care.

For more information in our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.