Caring for your teeth and gums is an important part of caring for your physical health. Unhealthy teeth and gums can lead to other problems that can affect your body. Your teeth and gums require daily care that includes brushing and flossing. They also require professional care that includes bi-annual visits to your dentist. Failing to follow these basics can lead to tooth decay (also called dental caries or cavities).
Dr. Joseph Thompson is a caring general dentist in Greeley, CO that provides treatment for tooth decay. Decay is one of the most common dental concerns prevalent among children. However, adults also get cavities.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is when the surface of the tooth begins to erode. The outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, will continue to erode until treatment is sought from a dentist. The damage this causes to the tooth is permanent.
During each routine dentist appointment, your dentist will look for signs of cavities. This includes spots on your teeth that are black, grey, or brown. Tooth decay can also cause a hole to form on your tooth and bad breath in some patients. Toothaches are common however many people with dental caries do not feel pain at all. Other symptoms include tooth sensitivity and sharp pain in the tooth.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
The main cause of tooth decay is too much sugar and starch in your diet combined with poor daily oral hygiene habits. When bacteria in your mouth combine with sugars and starches from the food you eat, it will make plaque. If the plaque sits on your teeth for too long, it will produce acid which slowly causes the enamel to erode from your teeth. If you brush your teeth twice a day, you will remove the plaque from your teeth and prevent tooth decay from damaging your teeth.
Treatment for Tooth Decay in Greeley, CO
Dr. Thompson offers many types of treatments for tooth. The type of treatment you will need depends on the extent of the decay. If we can catch the cavity early, a simple tooth filling is all you will need. However, if the decay is left untreated for some time, it may require extensive treatment.
Teeth Cleanings
We perform teeth cleanings at every routine dentist appointment. This procedure will remove plaque and bacteria that can hide your mouth. Places where your toothbrush and floss may not be able to reach. This in addition with proper brushing and flossing every single day is the best way to prevent tooth decay.
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a thin coating of plastic that your dentist will paint onto your back molars. We recommend them on children once those molars come in. They adhere to the surface of the tooth adding an extra layer of protection from decay. This is a common spot where children often get cavities.
Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a conservative treatment to stop tooth decay and fix the damage to the tooth. Your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill in the space with composite resin. This material will blend in perfectly with the rest of tooth. It will protect the tooth from further damage.
Restorative Dental Care
If you have avoided the dentist for many years, chances are you have a cavity that is severe. In this case, the dentist will recommend a restorative dental treatment. Which treatment you need will depend on the severity of the decay. If a good portion of the tooth is missing, a tooth filling will not work. You will need an inlay or an onlay. If the damage to the tooth is too big for that, then you may require a dental crown. Tooth decay that has been left untreated for years may require extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Decay
How can I prevent tooth decay?
To prevent tooth decay, it helps to brush your teeth two times daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss often, and see the dentist for checkups. Consuming healthy foods like veggies and fruits and limiting sugary snacks can also reduce your risk of developing cavities.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Tooth decay can cause pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, bad breath, and visible holes or pits in the teeth. Decay may also lead to toothaches, swollen gums, and discolored spots on the teeth. Regular checkups at the dentist can help catch decay early and prevent further damage.
How is tooth decay diagnosed?
At your regular dental checkups, Dr. Thompson will thoroughly examine your teeth. He is looking for signs of decay, such as soft spots on your teeth. We will also take X-rays to see if cavities are developing. If they find decay, they will discuss treatment options with you to fix the problem.
Can tooth decay be reversed?
You cannot reverse tooth decay once it develops. However, you can stop it from getting worse. Tooth decay can severely damage your tooth if you do not treat it. Once enamel is damaged, it cannot regenerate. Treatment from your dentist is the only way to cure decay.
Is tooth decay contagious?
Tooth decay is not contagious like a cold or the flu. It develops when bacteria in your mouth make acids that can hurt your teeth. But you can’t give tooth decay to someone else just by being near them or sharing food or drinks.
Can children get tooth decay?
Yes, children can get tooth decay if they don’t take care of their teeth. Eating lots of food with sugar and candy, and not brushing and flossing can lead to cavities. In fact, cavities are a common childhood disease. This is one of the reasons why we encourage parents to start early dental visits for their children.
Does tooth decay lead to other health problems?
Yes, tooth decay can cause other health problems. If not treated, it can cause periodontal disease, tooth infections, and tooth loss. Bacteria from your mouth can also journey to other parts of the body and cause issues like heart disease. So, taking care of your teeth is vital for your overall health.
How does diet impact tooth decay?
Diet plays a big role in tooth decay. Eating sugary foods and drinks can cause bacteria in our mouths to make acid that harms our teeth. This acid can wear away the enamel on our teeth, leading to cavities. Eating healthy, like fruits and veggies, helps protect our teeth because they have vitamins and minerals that strengthen them. Eating healthy, in addition to practicing good at-home dental care and seeing a dentist regularly, will keep our teeth healthy.
Is tooth decay hereditary?
Tooth decay can run in families because of shared habits and genetics. Parents may pass on bacteria that cause decay or oral hygiene practices. Your genes can also play a role in how strong your teeth are and how prone they are to decay. But, it’s not just because of your family history – brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits can help prevent tooth decay no matter what runs in your family.
If you suspect you have a dental cavity, let Dr. Thompson know at your next dentist appointment. He will recommend the right treatment for you and give you advice on how to prevent them. To book your next dentist appointment, contact our local Greeley, CO dentist office by calling 970.205.9614 or request an appointment with Dr. Thompson on our website.