You brush every day. You think you do a good job of not eating foods that damage your teeth. Then, how does tooth decay develop? Even if you think you are doing everything you should, decay can occur due to various factors, most of which are preventable. If you have not done so yet, schedule a cleaning and oral exam from Lovett Dental Baytown to ensure your teeth are healthy.
Understanding What’s Happening: How Does Tooth Decay Develop for Most People?
Tooth decay occurs when the exterior surface of the tooth begins to have a buildup of tartar and plaque. This occurs over time and generally due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria are nearly always present in the mouth. When you follow proper oral hygiene, you remove most of that bacteria. Your saliva and immune system as a whole controls the rest of it. When this doesn’t happen, bacteria can rapidly produce, creating that build up on your teeth and leading to tooth decay.
Sugars feed bacteria. Many foods have sugars in them, even fruits, milk, and breads. The bacteria grow rapidly when there is a good supply of sugars. Yet, good things are working to control this growth. Your saliva helps to wash away the bacteria and the sugar. When you brush and floss your teeth, that’s working to remove them as well. Fluoride, which is in the water you drink and some kinds of toothpaste, also work to help control the damage bacteria does.
What Happens Over Time?
When bacteria grow out of check, though, the damage builds. Not only does this cause plaque to build on the exterior of the tooth, but it also damages the gums, burrows deep into the tooth to create cavities, and damages the roots of the tooth. All of this is worrisome.
What Can You Do About It?
When you learn how tooth decay develops, you can be proactive in keeping your smile healthy. There are several things you can do:
- Come in for routine oral checkups at least every six months.
- Have routine tooth cleaning to keep plaque at bay.
- If you have cavities, root canal treatments can help.
- Fillings and dental sealants can further protect your teeth.
- If you have severe pain, seek out emergency dental services.
- Ask us about fluoride treatment services.
It’s up to you to keep your smile healthy, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. At Lovett Dental, we offer the treatment options you need to maintain your smile. Coming in for regular appointments allows us to help you to prevent early tooth loss. Let our team help you learn how to properly brush and floss your teeth for ultimate treatment.
Don’t wait. If you have tooth pain, that’s an indication of tooth decay. The sooner you get treatment, the better.
Seek Out Help for Tooth Decay at Lovett Dental
How does tooth decay develop is a common question. Many factors are involved. However, the simplest answer might just be ‘From inaction.’ When individuals fail to brush and floss regularly, they heighten their risk. When they fail to schedule checkups with their dentist as Lovette Dental Baytown, they height their risk. When they think tooth pain will just go away on its own, they heighten their risk. Failing to take action allows tooth decay to advance. Often, the results are tooth loss or extremely costly treatment. The solution, though, is to ensure you have routine oral health care and dental checkups in place. At Lovett Dental, we provide you with the routine care you need to avoid tooth decay and the advanced technology to treat it. Schedule a consultation by calling 281-838-8400 today.
