Adult Tooth Decay in Bellevue, WA
We all hate to hear that our dentist has found new cavities since our last visit. Even worse, some cavities create pain that we can do little to relieve. Cavities are areas of decay on teeth, and they can form on any surface of a tooth. To repair a cavity, the decay must be removed and replaced with a man-made substance. How can you deter decay? To avoid negative reports from your dentist and nagging oral pain, it’s essential to understand what causes tooth decay.
The Cause
A healthy mouth contains beneficial bacteria that neutralize acids and assist in cleaning food particles. These bacteria, along with saliva, help strengthen areas of demineralization on teeth by restoring the minerals that protect them from decay.
Sometimes, harmful bacterial plaque can throw a healthy mouth’s homeostasis into chaos. Plaque is a sticky bacterial substance that can build up on your teeth. Harmful bacteria in plaque secrete an acid that destroys tooth enamel to create cavities. This acid demineralizes the tooth enamel and, if it reaches the dentin, can cause pain where nerves and blood vessels are vulnerable. Often, a cavity that grows to affect the dentin must undergo a root canal or extraction. In short, tooth decay can destroy teeth.
The Cure
To prevent tooth decay, see your dentist at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and oral exam. At home, brush your teeth with a soft manual toothbrush or a Sonicare power toothbrush after each meal, and floss daily. Mouthwash and fluoride rinses can help destroy harmful bacteria and remineralize teeth. Of course, staying away from foods high in sugars and starches will help, since these are the fuel for bacterial acids.
If you have small cavities, get them filled as soon as possible, before they grow and cause extensive damage. Professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also help deter tooth decay. Some patients have more problems with plaque than others. We’ll gladly help you understand the particularities of your mouth and recommend ways to prevent bacteria and tooth decay.