It’s no secret that keeping your teeth healthy and free from decay is essential for maintaining a beautiful smile. By following a good oral care routine, regularly visiting your dentist for checkups, and avoiding foods or drinks high in sugar, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing cavities. While almost everyone will experience tooth decay at some point in their life, it's largely preventable through proper care.
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a progressive damage to tooth structure caused by an infectious process. It begins when plaque, a sticky film that accumulates on the surfaces of your teeth, harbors harmful bacteria. These bacteria metabolize the sugars in your diet and produce acids, which can gradually eat away at healthy tooth enamel.
Without proper care, tooth decay can lead to severe damage to the tooth structure, irreversible damage to the nerve of the tooth, a dental infection, tooth loss, and even more serious consequences for your overall health. Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect your teeth from decay.
At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we provide comprehensive and skilled care to help reduce your risk for tooth decay and detect cavities early when they are easiest to treat. Remember, excellent oral hygiene, a nutritious diet low in sweets, regular dental cleanings, checkups, and care are the best ways to protect the health of your smile. Our professional team offers essential dietary guidance and demonstrates the most effective home care methods for patients of all ages. By brushing and flossing your teeth each day as recommended, you can help prevent the buildup of dental plaque, which is responsible for dental disease.
Even for the best brushers and flossers, plaque can still hide in hard-to-reach spots. That's why we recommend professional teeth cleaning twice a year during checkup time. Our hygienist will remove any residual plaque you may have missed while brushing and provide guidance on better practices for maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home. For children, who are particularly vulnerable to cavities, we also offer periodic fluoride treatments and place dental sealants to strengthen and shield their teeth.
While being proactive is the best way to prevent tooth decay, there's no need to worry if a cavity does develop. With early detection and care, our dentist will gently and precisely remove the damaged tooth structure and place a long-lasting filling to rebuild your tooth's integrity. We use state-of-the-art biocompatible materials that are both attractive and durable, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. For more extensive tooth decay, we may recommend a full-coverage crown or additional treatment as needed.
By following the advice in this article and visiting our dental office regularly for checkups, you can significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay. Our dedicated staff is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns about your oral care routine. We look forward to helping you keep your teeth strong and cavity-free!
