Mebane Dentists Fight Tooth Decay

A cavity (i.e., tooth decay) starts when plaque breaks down food leading to an acidic environment. As a result, tooth structure (i.e., enamel) breaks down and a hole forms in the tooth. Stop by to see a Mebane dentist to examine your mouth for tooth decay.

What is tooth decay?

The hole in the tooth becomes a cavity. If a patient leaves a cavity untreated, they could lose the tooth and or need a filling. When acid breaks through the enamel, it can penetrate the second layer of the tooth called dentin.

As a result, a tooth can become sensitive or infected. If a tooth abscesses, the tooth could be lost or need a root canal. It is essential for patients to see a dentist routinely.

When patients get examinations regularly, dentists can catch tooth decay when it starts. Early detection results in a smaller filling and prevention of more severe and costly procedures like root canals and crowns.

What causes tooth decay?

There are several causes of tooth decay. One of the leading reasons occurs when food gets trapped between teeth leading to plaque and demineralization of enamel. Acids from food can have an effect on teeth for almost thirty minutes after you eat.

• The build-up of plaque: Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque build-up and tooth decay
• Poor oral health: Patients that do not brush and floss their teeth routinely can be more likely to get cavities. Dentists recommend an electric toothbrush for optimal oral care. Dental patients in orthodontics (i.e., Invisalign) need to be extra careful brushing their teeth to reduce dental plaque.
• A dry mouth: Patients with a dry mouth (i.e., xerostomia) have a high chance of getting cavities. Saliva can help remove plaque and fight the bacteria that cause cavities. Moreover, some medications and diseases cause xerostomia.
• What patients eat and drink: Dental patients that eat or drink foods high in acidic content are more likely to cause the breakdown of enamel and tooth structure. Also, liquids or foods with high sugar content create an environment perfect for the breeding ground of cavity-causing bacteria.
• Medical issues: Patients with medical problems can be at an increased risk for enamel loss. Dentists see many patients with xerostomia caused by medications and radiation to the head and neck.
• Cancer patients receiving radiation might experience a reduction in saliva since radiation can destroy salivary glands. Also, other conditions such as bulimia cause a highly acidic environment in the oral cavity.

What are the symptoms of tooth decay?

• Tooth pain: Tooth pain can be a symptom of a cavity. If you experience tooth pain, go to the dentist immediately. Sometimes, if you have tooth pain, it is too late to fill a tooth without root canal treatment. Moreover, if you are in pain, the tooth could need an extraction.
• Stain and pits: If you have a dark stain on your tooth or a hole (i.e., fissure), you could have a cavity. Make sure to visit the dentist regularly so we can identify problems early.
• Abscessed teeth: If a patient has pus oozing from their gums or an abscessed tooth, they could have a severe cavity that needs attention by a dentist.

How do dental patients prevent tooth decay?

Preventive dentistry involves using tools and techniques to help prevent dental caries and other oral diseases. Our Mebane dentists (i.e., Eric Steinbicker, DDS) perform free dental fillings for patients with tooth decay on our Pay It Forward event. Below are some ways our team fights tooth decay.

• Electric toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Regular visits to a Mebane dentist at Steinbicker Family Dentistry

In conclusion

It is vital to reduce tooth decay by seeing a dentist regularly. Patients that lose a tooth due to tooth decay can replace it with a dental implant. Contact us if you want to make a dental appointment. Read patient reviews on our Facebook page.

Alternatively, look at patient testimonials from our Mebane dental office. If you lost a tooth due to decay, there are several cosmetic dental options to replace missing teeth. For more information about dentistry, visit our dental terms and glossary.