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Understanding Tooth Decay: Causes, Effects & Prevention

Understanding Tooth Decay: Causes, Effects & Prevention

by | Sep 25, 2023 | Dental | 0 comments

Tooth decay, often called cavities, is a widespread dental problem affecting individuals of all ages. Understanding tooth decay and how to prevent it is crucial for maintaining good oral health.

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is a gradual breakdown of the tooth’s enamel, which is the hard outer layer of teeth. It occurs when harmful bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode the enamel, creating cavities or holes in the teeth. Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to various dental issues, including pain, infection, and tooth loss.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Plaque Formation

The primary culprit behind tooth decay is dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. When sugary or starchy foods are consumed, the bacteria in plaque feed on these sugars, producing acid as a byproduct. This acid then attacks the tooth enamel, leading to demineralization and cavities.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Inadequate brushing and flossing habits can allow plaque to accumulate on your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and prevent its buildup.

Diet

A diet high in sugary and acidic foods and beverages can contribute to tooth decay. These substances promote the growth of harmful bacteria and increase acid production in the mouth, accelerating enamel erosion.

Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acid and remineralizing teeth. Conditions such as dry mouth (xerostomia), which reduce saliva production, can make tooth decay easier.

Genetics

Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to tooth decay, with naturally weaker enamel or a higher susceptibility to plaque buildup.

Effects of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can lead to several adverse effects, including:

  1. Tooth Pain: As the enamel erodes and cavities form, you may experience tooth sensitivity and pain, especially when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
  2. Infections: Untreated cavities can allow bacteria to penetrate deeper into the tooth, causing infections, dental abscesses, and gum disease.
  3. Tooth Loss: Severe decay can weaken the tooth structure to the point where the tooth becomes irreparable and must be extracted.
  4. Compromised Oral Function: Tooth decay can affect the ability to chew food adequately, leading to dietary limitations and potential digestive issues.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is preventable with the right strategies and habits. Here’s how to keep your teeth healthy:

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Brushing teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and be gentle to avoid damaging your enamel. Foss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Limit consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Try to consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains & lean proteins.

Drink Water

Drinking water helps to rinse away food bacteria and food particles and promote saliva production, which aids in neutralizing acids and remineralizing teeth.

Choose Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals stimulates saliva production and helps rinse away food debris and acids.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and dental cleanings. Dental professionals can detect early signs of tooth decay and provide preventive treatments such as fluoride applications and dental sealants.

Fluoride

Consider using fluoride mouthwash or getting professional fluoride treatments if recommended by your dentist. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks.

Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco increases the risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems. 

While common, you can significantly reduce your riskof tooth decay with proper preventive measures and a commitment to good oral hygiene. Understanding the causes of tooth decay and its potential effects empowers you to take control of your oral health and enjoy a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free teeth.  Contact us to schedule your visit or consultation today!

What Is A Dental Abscess? Symptoms and Treatment

What Is A Dental Abscess? Symptoms and Treatment

by | Jun 6, 2023 | Dental | 0 comments

A dental abscess is a painful and potentially serious dental condition caused by a bacterial infection. It occurs when a pocket of pus forms within the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues. Dental abscesses can lead to significant discomfort, and if left untreated, they may result in severe complications. Learn the symptoms associated with dental abscesses and the various treatment options available.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess

  1. Toothache: The most common symptom of a dental abscess is a persistent and throbbing toothache. The pain may worsen when biting or applying pressure on the affected tooth.
  2. Swelling: The area around the infected tooth or gum may become swollen, red, and tender to the touch. The swelling can gradually spread to the face, neck, or jaw.
  3. Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold substances is another sign of a dental abscess. The affected tooth may become more sensitive to temperature changes and certain foods.
  4. Bad breath and taste: The buildup of pus and bacteria can cause a foul smell in the mouth and an unpleasant taste.
  5. Fever: In some cases, a dental abscess can lead to a fever, indicating that the infection has spread and requires immediate attention.

Treatment Options

  1. Drainage of the abscess: The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection and relieve pain. In most cases, the abscess must be drained to remove the pus. Your dentist will make a small incision in the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out. Once the area is cleaned, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further infection.
  2. Root canal therapy: If the dental abscess is caused by an infection in the tooth’s pulp (the innermost layer), root canal treatment may be necessary. During a root canal, your dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the tooth’s interior, and seals it to prevent reinfection. Root canal therapy is often followed by placing a dental crown to protect and restore the tooth’s functionality.
  3. Tooth extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is extensively damaged or cannot be saved, extraction may be the only viable option. After removing the infected tooth, the dentist may recommend replacing it with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore oral function and prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting.
  4. Antibiotics: Besides draining the abscess, dentists may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the infection. Antibiotics are typically used when the infection has spread beyond the abscessed area or when there is a risk of further complications.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dental abscesses. It is essential to address any dental issues promptly to avoid the development of abscesses. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Remember, your dental health is an essential part of your overall well-being. Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking timely treatment can keep your smile bright and ensure a healthy mouth.

If you experience symptoms of a dental abscess, such as severe toothache, swelling, or persistent bad breath, it is crucial to seek professional dental care immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and causing more significant complications.

Contact us to schedule your visit today.

7 Reasons Why You Should Have A Dental Cleaning

7 Reasons Why You Should Have A Dental Cleaning

by | May 23, 2023 | Dental | 0 comments

Oral health is integral to our overall well-being, and regular dental cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy smile. While brushing and flossing are essential daily habits, professional dental cleaning offers unique benefits beyond regular home care. Let’s explore why dental cleanings are necessary for optimal oral health.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Despite our best efforts, plaque and tartar can build up on our teeth over time. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, produces acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities and gum disease. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Professional dental cleaning involves scaling, effectively removing plaque and tartar, and preventing dental issues before they worsen.

Prevention of Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem affecting a significant portion of the population. The early stage, called gingivitis, is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing. When it is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and other serious complications. Regular dental cleanings help remove the bacteria and plaque contributing to gum disease, preventing its onset and progression.

Early Detection of Dental Issues

The dental hygienist thoroughly examines your teeth, gums, and mouth during a dental cleaning. This allows them to identify any potential oral health issues early. Early detection of problems such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or even jaw misalignment enables timely intervention, leading to more effective and less invasive treatments.

Fresher Breath

Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and detrimental to our social interactions. Dental cleaning helps address this issue by eliminating the bacteria that cause bad breath. Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene practices significantly contribute to fresher breath and improved self-confidence.

Stain Removal and Whiter Teeth

Over time, our teeth may develop stains and discoloration due to various factors like food, drinks, tobacco, or certain medications. Dental cleanings involve polishing, which helps remove these surface stains, giving your teeth a brighter and healthier appearance. While it may not dramatically whiten your teeth like professional bleaching, regular cleanings can contribute to a more radiant smile.

Overall Health Benefits

Oral health is closely linked to our overall health. Numerous studies have established connections between oral infections and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even pregnancy complications. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental cleanings reduce the risk of these health problems and promote a healthier body.

Dental Education and Oral Hygiene Guidance

Dental cleanings allow dental professionals to educate and guide patients on proper oral hygiene techniques. They can offer personalized advice on brushing, flossing, and other oral care practices tailored to your needs. This knowledge empowers you to take better care of your teeth and gums between dental visits, leading to improved oral health outcomes.

Investing in regular dental cleanings is a vital step toward maintaining optimal oral health. By removing plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria, dental cleanings prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. Moreover, they contribute to fresher breath, whiter teeth, and overall well-being. Please don’t overlook the significance of professional dental cleanings; make them a part of your oral health routine, and enjoy a healthier, more confident smile for years to come.

Contact us to schedule your dental cleaning today.

Four Benefits of Dental Crowns

Four Benefits of Dental Crowns

by | Mar 23, 2023 | Dental | 0 comments

Dental crowns are common tooth restorations that provide full coverage and strength to a vulnerable tooth to prevent cracking, breaking and decay. Dental crowns are made in a dental lab specifically for your teeth and mouth to restore function and aesthetics to your bite.

Dental crowns can be used on their own for a single tooth or in conjunction with other teeth, called dental bridges. Your dentist may have recommended a crown for you, and you may be hesitant because you don’t know why or don’t quite understand the benefit. Below we have summarized the four main benefits of dental crowns and why you might need one. 

Improved Tooth Appearance

A dental crown covers all surfaces of a tooth so it can completely change the appearance of that tooth. Dental crowns are customizable and created specifically for your mouth, so the shade, shape and size are all up to you and your dentist based on what will look best. Dental crowns can be used to fix peg-shaped teeth, internal staining or discolouration and teeth with mild-moderate wear. For a complete smile makeover, your dentist may suggest several crowns to create a commeasurable appearance. 

Provides Stability & Strength

Teeth with large existing dental fillings that are breaking down and even teeth with chips and fractures can benefit from a dental crown. Because a crown covers and protects the entire tooth structure, it acts as a shield for the tooth and offers structural support. When a tooth is prepared for the crown, all existing filling material and decayed tooth structure are removed, leaving only a healthy tooth structure for the dental crown to bond to. 

Dental Crowns Are Long-lasting 

Dental crowns are one of the longest-lasting tooth restoration types. Your dentist will never call a dental crown “permanent,” but if properly cared for and kept clean, it can last ten years or more easily. Still, dental crowns have the possibility of developing cavities around the margins at the gum line, so be sure to take excellent care of your oral health with routine brushing and flossing. Also, make sure to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. 

Prevents The Need For A Tooth Extraction

A dental crown provides another option to save a tooth if a cavity is large or if a filling is failing before there is no option but to extract. This is particularly important for teeth that have received a root canal treatment. These teeth are fragile and prone to breaking, so a dental crown is essential in saving the tooth. Also, metal crowns are often used for baby teeth when there are large fillings to prevent the premature loss of the baby teeth before the adult teeth erupt. 

If you have any questions about dental crowns, please contact us today to schedule a visit.

Can Dental Sealants Benefit Your Smile?

Can Dental Sealants Benefit Your Smile?

by | Feb 21, 2023 | Dental | 0 comments

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin layers that are applied to teeth that have grooves, pits or fissures to prevent cavities from forming. Dental sealants work by filling in crevices where harmful bacteria like to hide. The sealant material is similar to filling material that is used for cavities, but it is placed on the surface of the teeth with minimal tooth structure being removed.

The material gets applied as a liquid, so is able to seep in to grooves and difficult to reach areas, and is then hardened into place with the use of a light curing machine. Dental sealants can be used for any tooth that has a difficult to reach area and may be more susceptible to cavities. The most common teeth to be sealed are the biting surfaces of the back molars, as well as the pit that is common on the cheek side of the back lower molars. 

Who can benefit from dental sealants? 

People of all ages can benefit from dental sealants, including children and adults. Any tooth that has grooves or pits and may be susceptible to a cavity can benefit from having a dental sealant placed. Dental sealants are less expensive and less invasive than a dental filling. The best time to place dental sealants is for children when molars are just erupting, to prevent the teeth from getting cavities. 

Dental sealant procedure 

The teeth are first cleaned and polished to prepare for the procedure. Then, the teeth will be dried and an acid etch material will be placed on the surfaces receiving the sealants. The purpose of the acid etch is to create tiny notches in the tooth surface so the material will stick. The acid etch is left for 15-30 seconds and then rinsed away. The teeth are again dried, and the sealant material is placed. A light cure machine will be used to harden the sealants into place. Lastly, the bite will be checked and any rough or high spots will be adjusted. The procedure is extremely quick and painless, and is less expensive and intrusive than dental fillings. The best part is that they prevent cavities for you and your children! 

If you have any questions about dental sealants, or believe you or your children are good candidates for dental sealants, please contact the office today to book an appointment.