Tooth decay is the general wear that your teeth experience as a result of the bacteria that live on them. These bacteria will constantly populate your teeth, and when left undisrupted, they will eventually form plaques and cavities. The bacteria produce acid as they metabolize sugars. This acid wears down your tooth enamel, and you’re ultimately left with a hole in your tooth. To slow and prevent tooth decay, you need to give constant attention to your teeth. That’s why brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly are mandatory for strong oral health care.
Creating a Consistent Home Care Routine Prevents Tooth Decay
Many people adopt a skincare routine that they stick with, because they want to improve the appearance of their skin. It’s easy to tell when the oil of your skin is starting to build up, because you’ll often form acne. The visual indicators for tooth decay aren’t as easy to spot because many of the surfaces of your teeth remain hidden within your mouth. By the time you notice a big black spot on your tooth, it’s too late. A cavity has already formed, and will require treatment to fix. Creating your own home care routine and sticking to it is crucial for preventing tooth decay.
Cavities Require Fillings, But Tooth Decay Can Get Worse
Tooth decay is a progressive condition, because it’s caused by living bacteria. That means that a cavity on your tooth is not the end result of tooth decay. The bacteria will keep working deeper into your tooth until the pulp of your tooth is infected. They can even make their way into the root canals of your tooth. From there, bacteria can spread to other oral tissues and cause infection. Your dentist can remove the bacteria from your tooth and provide you with a tooth-colored filling to repair the damage left behind.
More Extensive Tooth Decay Treatment Includes More Time and Expense
If your cavity does worsen to the point that a dental filling will not repair the structural damage created by bacteria, you may need a dental crown for your tooth. Infection that spreads to the root canals requires root canal therapy to be removed and repaired. In some serious cases of tooth decay, tooth extraction may be the only answer for the problem. This is why it is so important to establish your home care routine and halt tooth decay before it disrupts your oral health.
Coppertop Family Dentistry Offers Restorative Treatment
In addition to your own home care, you should also visit your dentist twice a year for preventive care. During your visit, you’ll receive a professional cleaning that removes the buildup of tooth-decay-causing bacteria. Coppertop Family Dentistry provides professional cleanings for patients of all ages. Schedule your cleaning with Coppertop Family Dentistry in Redmond, OR by calling 541-923-5927.
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