Fighting Against Tooth Decay
Tooth Decay occurs when the defense mechanisms of the tooth are unable to withstand the bacterial assault that is happening against them. Most commonly this happens when teeth are not properly attended to using strong toothpastes, flosses and seeing a Stockton Dental professional on a regular basis. Other contributing factors can include genetics, as well as environmental factors such as the quality of water in certain areas, and what foods are eaten on a consistent basis. Those with a more sugar and fat based diet find that cavities and tooth decay are more prevalent even with proper dental care.
Tooth decay is basically the breakdown of the hard structure of the tooth. These materials are known as tooth enamel, dentin, and cementum. The holes that occur as these materials disintegrate are called cavities and when they are left untreated they can cause immense pain and even cause the tooth to rot completely. An unattended cavity can also cause an infection in the gums and potentially the jaw. There have even been cases of death though it is rare. Most people will experience some amount of tooth decay or cavities in their lifetime. Tooth decay and cavities are experienced throughout all the world in all of the various classes and cultures of people.
Generally tooth decay will become more visible as it progresses in severity. This is why it is recommended that you see a Stockton Family Dentist prior to exhibiting the signs of tooth decay. If the tooth decay is caught early enough it can greatly, and in some cases completely, reduce the chances of you having to experience the painful symptoms that would otherwise end up occurring. Preventative measures are extremely beneficial when fighting against tooth decay. Make sure to find strong and proven toothpastes and then brush your teeth after each meal, if possible. You must at least brush your teeth in the mornings after waking and in the evenings prior to going to sleep. A majority of the bacteria pooling occurs during sleep. It is also important to floss as this helps to decrease infecting materials from the mouth.
Cavities that have already formed are generally treated by being filled in with amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, or gold. Composite resin and porcelain are most common as they are closer to the color of a tooth. If the decay is caught before it reached the root of the tooth then the pain you experience will be minimal. If the decay has been allowed to reach the root there may be more severe measures taken to correct the issue.
Related posts: