Have you experienced sudden pain in a tooth? Have you skipped one of your regular cleanings? Knowing how to prevent tooth decay can help you avoid further complications later on. Good oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and watching what you eat can assist you in preventing tooth decay. To learn more about our general dental services, contact Supreme Dentistry today.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Did you know that cavities are a form of tooth decay? While tooth decay sounds ominous, it’s incredibly common—many people develop cavities at some point in their lives. Although they are common, the damage they cause is also permanent. And left untreated, tooth decay can lead to toothache, infection, and even tooth loss.Tooth decay occurs when the enamel that protects your teeth breaks down. What causes enamel to break down? Plaque, or the layer of bacteria that can form on your teeth, can produce acids when it comes into contact with sugar. These acids begin to eat away at your enamel and actually create a hole in your tooth.In order to prevent tooth decay, it can be helpful to know its signs and symptoms. While seeing your dentist for regular cleanings is a key component of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, if you begin to develop a cavity in between cleanings, you can call your dentist for an additional appointment. Treating cavities early can help prevent more damage.The signs of tooth decay vary based on which teeth are affected and how severe the issue is. For example, you might not notice the early stages of a cavity. However, you can check for these signs:
Toothache
Pain that occurs without any apparent cause
Tooth sensitivity
Holes in the tooth that are visible
Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
Pain when you bite down
Steps for Preventing Tooth Decay
Good oral hygiene is one of the best things you can do to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, or ideally after every meal. Use a fluoride toothpaste, which not only prevents cavities but can even reverse some of the early stages of damage. Flossing between your teeth can remove hard-to-reach plaque before it causes decay. You can also add a fluoride rinse to your brushing routine. Other steps for preventing tooth decay include:
Dental sealants – These protective coatings, often used on small children, can prevent plaque and bacteria from reaching the enamel
Drinking tap water – Most cities add fluoride to their water supply
Avoiding sugary foods – When you eat things that are high in sugar, the bacteria on your teeth forms harmful plaque. Foods to avoid include ice cream, soda, hard candy, cookies, and milk
Regular cleanings – Your dentist can catch cavities early before they cause painful damage
Eat tooth-healthy foods – Fresh fruit and vegetables and coffee and tea with no sugar added can promote good oral health
Your dentist can help you establish good oral health routines. If you’re concerned about the health of your teeth, reach out to a dentist near you today.
Schedule an Appointment to Prevent Tooth Decay
Professional cleanings and dental exams are an important tactic for preventing tooth decay. Your dentist can spot problems that you might not be aware of yet, recommend products, and fill cavities before they cause further damage. At Supreme Dentistry, the health of your teeth and gums is our top priority. Our dentists and dental hygienists will help remove plaque, catch problems early on, and help you develop good oral hygiene habits. Reach out to make an appointment for a cleaning and find out why we are Houston’s premier dental practice. Contact us by calling 844.966.2333 or by using our secure online form today.
