Statistics show that around 26% of adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay. These numbers continue to increase as people ignore the need to take good care of their oral health. It is important to know how does tooth decay develops from practicing ways of preventing it.
Tooth decay occurs when the tooth structure destructs and affects both the dentin layer and the tooth’s outer coating. It affects adults, teens, and children. Tooth decay or cavities are more common among children. However, as one grows old, some factors may contribute to them developing cavities. Lack of modern preventive dental care and fluoride treatments while growing up contributes to adults experiencing tooth decay.
How Does Tooth Decay Develop
Tooth decay or cavities occur when foods containing starches and sugar like cakes, fruits, juice, and cereals remain on the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth break down the foods and turn them into acids. The saliva, food debris, acid, and bacteria combine and develop a plaque that sticks to the teeth. The acids that develop in the plaque then dissolve the enamel part of the tooth and creates holes known as cavities.
Preventing Tooth Decay
You need to take good care of your teeth to avoid cavities from occurring.
Some of the ways of preventing tooth decay include:
- Brushing your teeth twice or more times in a day: Dentists recommend you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Ensure you brush after meals and before going to sleep.
- Rinsing your mouth daily using a mouthwash that contains fluoride: Some mouthwashes contain antiseptic ingredients that get rid of bacteria that cause plague.
- Using interdental cleaners or dental flosses to clean your teeth daily.
- Eating balanced and nutritious diets: Avoid taking too many carbohydrates and snacks.
- Drinking fluoridated water: This helps to protect children from tooth decay.
- Going for regular check-ups at your dentist’s for oral exams and professional cleaning.
Dentists may recommend dental sealants. These are plastic protective coatings that you apply on your back teeth surfaces when chewing to prevent decay. Dental experts continue to explore materials that release fluoride gradually to prevent further decay. You should place these materials in fissures or pits of teeth or in between the teeth. The use of supplemental fluoride also strengthens your teeth and curbs the development of cavities.
Oral Health Programs Available at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village
Lovett Dental Piney Point Village strives to give you the level of dental care that you need. The dental facility has qualified oral health specialists that take their time to give you a perfect smile. If either you or your child has tooth decay problems, we’re the place to turn to. The facility provides different services, including pediatric, cosmetic, and general dentistry services.
Other dental programs available at the facility include:
- Dental bridges and crowns: These help to repair or replace your teeth. They are ideal for lost, damaged, or broken teeth. They give you a functional, beautiful, and healthy smile.
- Sedation and dental anxiety: Sedation dentistry helps patients who experience fear or anxiety while undergoing dental procedures. It ensures the keep calm and relaxes throughout the process.
- Tooth extractions: This procedure is essential if the dentist is unable to save a heavily damaged tooth. Getting through the extraction ensures you have a natural-looking and permanent smile. Our dentists take you through the teeth extraction process before performing the minor operation.
- Teeth whitening: This can help you regain confidence by reducing staining from factors such as smoking, diet, or genetics.
- Fillings and sealants: These both prevent and fix cavities from occurring in your teeth.
How Does Tooth Decay Develop? Learn More from Lovett Dental Piney Point Village
Don’t wait until tooth decay develops to visit your dentist. You need to learn how tooth decay develops to come up with ways to prevent it. Reach out to us via 832-242-2030 for healthy teeth and get the smile you deserve.
