Tooth decay is a common dental issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is not just a minor inconvenience; if left untreated, it can lead to debilitating pain, tooth loss, and a host of more significant health problems. Understanding why you are experiencing tooth decay and how to prevent it can help you maintain a healthier, brighter smile.
At Jenson Dental, we understand how detrimental decay can be to your smile’s overall functionality and appearance. As the symptoms begin to progress, you may find yourself missing out on time with your loved ones. If you are beginning to suspect that you might be experiencing tooth decay and want to know more about what causes this decay, keep reading.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, is the destruction of your tooth’s enamel. Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects your teeth from damage during everyday activities. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and starch from leftover food particles, producing an acid that slowly breaks down the tooth’s structure. As this acid grows, it begins to erode your enamel.
There are several early signs that you may be experiencing tooth decay. These signs may start subtly but can progress quickly if left untreated. Some signs of decay include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods or beverages
- Visible pits or holes in your teeth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Discoloration or staining on the surface of your teeth
What Causes This Decay?
Tooth decay doesn’t happen overnight. It is a slow-moving dental process that happens as a result of a combination of factors, including:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If you aren’t brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up on your teeth. Plaque may produce acids that also attack tooth enamel.
- Diet: While you may enjoy eating sugary or starchy foods and drinks, they are also capable of fueling the bacteria that cause decay. Sweets, sodas, and some fruits and breads can contribute to the progression of decay.
- Lack of Fluoride: As dental patients become more weary of using ingredients like fluoride, decay rates begin to rise. If your toothpaste, mouthwash, or local water supply lacks an adequate amount of fluoride, you may be at a higher risk of developing cavities.
- Dry Mouth: Your saliva plays a major role in helping to wash away food particles and neutralize acids. If you aren’t producing enough saliva, whether due to medications, medical conditions, or dehydration, can increase your risk of developing decay.
- Genetics: Sometimes you can do everything in your power to prevent decay and still deal with it. In cases like this, it is often the result of a genetic predisposition. The shape and alignment of your teeth may also play a role in your chances of developing decay.
How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay?
If you want to prevent tooth decay, there are several steps you can take to do so. To protect yourself from decay and protect your smile, consider the following:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Remember to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day to remove any food particles, plaque, and bacteria from your teeth. You should also floss every day to remove harder-to-reach places between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Watch Your Diet: While you can certainly enjoy some sugary and starchy foods and drinks, it is best to opt for healthier snacks when you can. Try to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and cheese into your diet to help protect your teeth.
- Use Fluoride Products: Ensuring you incorporate an appropriate amount of fluoride into your oral hygiene routine is an essential part of avoiding tooth decay. Use fluoride toothpaste and consider using a fluoride mouthwash as well. If your local water supply lacks fluoride, you can talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements.
- Invest in Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are a coating your dentist applies to the surface of your molars to prevent cavities. They are especially useful for children, but they can also be majorly beneficial to adults who are predisposed to develop cavities.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial. At these appointments, your dentist can spot early signs of decay and provide treatments like sealants or fluoride applications to protect your teeth.
What Happens If You Don’t Address Decay?
Ignoring tooth decay can lead to a variety of dental and health issues. Initially, untreated cavities will increase your sensitivity, leading to frequent pain that makes it difficult to eat and drink. As this decay progresses, it makes its way deeper into your tooth, leading to infection that may require a root canal to be properly addressed.
If you don’t get a root canal, this infection can spread to your jawbone and the surrounding area, leading to tooth loss. In even more extreme cases, this infection can get into your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infection. If you want to avoid costly dental treatments and harmful health conditions, treating decay as soon as possible is essential.
Addressing Decay with a Dentist You Can Trust
When you are dealing with tooth decay, it is essential that you work with a reliable dental team to remedy this problem. If you are looking for a reliable dental provider in the Brigham City area, turn to our team at Jenson Dental. For decades, our team has provided comprehensive dental care to patients across the area.
Whether you’re dealing with decay, want to improve the appearance of your smile, or are trying to schedule a cleaning, our team provides a variety of dental services to meet every patient’s needs. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to discuss dental decay, reach out to us today.
