Although dentistry has done a great deal to eliminate dental disease, tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases. Understanding the whys and hows behind it can help you maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime. This is what to do if you suffer from tooth decay!

You just left your dentist’s office, and you were told you have a cavity in one of your teeth. You’re asking yourself how this could have occurred since you brush your teeth, drink water, and floss. The first thing to realize is tooth decay is very common even with modern advancements such as fluoride. This doesn’t happen after you eat one candy bar or drink a soda. Rather, the bacteria in your mouth takes the sugar in those foods and creates acid. If this keeps happening to a tooth, the acids will finally create a small hole in the tooth, which we call a cavity.

Fortunately, tooth decay is preventable! There are simple ways to prevent tooth decay from occurring. The most obvious include brushing, flossing, and fluoride. Brushing your teeth cleans the acid from the exposed surfaces of your teeth. Flossing prevents decay from forming in between your teeth and in those tough to reach areas. You can’t get everything with a toothbrush, so it’s important to floss. Fluoride is added to our water supply to prevent tooth decay. On top of that, you can find mouthwashes containing fluoride and even supplements to help as well.

Your diet is another way to prevent tooth decay from occurring. By eating healthy foods, you are helping your teeth grow stronger and limiting the chances of cavities. Dry mouth is another way tooth decay occurs due to the lack of moisture and saliva in our mouth. Saliva helps rinse and get rid of leftover foods and keeps our mouths clean. Lastly, an excellent way to prevent decay is by visiting your dentist regularly.

The further a cavity progresses, the more extensive the treatment options will be to save the tooth. This is why early detection is essential. Unfortunately, this can destroy so much of a tooth; it cannot be saved. This can happen without you even knowing it until your dentist takes an x-ray. Regular exams with dental x-rays are vital in maintaining healthy teeth throughout your life.

To keep your teeth healthy and avoid the consequences of decay, contact South Holston Dental Designs today!

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