If you are wondering how to prevent tooth decay, you’re not alone. Impacting 91% of Americans aged 20 to 64 each and every year, it is the most common chronic condition in the world. On average, Americans aged 20 to 64 have 3.28 decayed or missing teeth and more than 13 decayed or missing tooth surfaces.
Regular dental exams are an essential part of maintaining your oral health and preventing dental problems. Tooth decay, when left untreated, can cause major complications, such as gum disease and infections. As a result, it is imperative to get help for tooth decay immediately. Call the dental experts at Splendid Dental Atascocita today to schedule your free consultation.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay Naturally
If you are wondering how to prevent tooth decay, it is important to understand how tooth decay occurs. Your teeth have three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. Enamel is the outermost layer and the first line of protection against things like harmful bacteria. Dentin is the middle layer, while the pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth. Your pulp contains blood vessels and nerves, which is why the area is so heavily protected by enamel and dentin.
Tooth decay starts when food particles remain in your mouth for too long. Food particles can become trapped between your teeth, which is why flossing is so important. Eventually, these particles lead to plaque accumulation on the exterior of your teeth. Bacteria use plaque as a food source and release acid whenever they consume it, wearing down your enamel.
Plaque can be removed by brushing, which serves as the easiest and most effective tooth decay prevention method. However, plaque can harden into tartar if it remains on your teeth too long. Tartar can only be removed by your dentist, which helps with tooth decay prevention.
Consuming large amounts of sugar can increase your risk of tooth decay. If you are wondering how to prevent tooth decay naturally, simple dietary changes, such as limiting your sugar consumption, are highly effective. Another way to learn more about how to prevent tooth decay naturally is to make sure you see your dentist at Splendid Dental Atascocita for annual exams.
Complications Caused by Untreated Tooth Decay
When you talk to your dentist about preventing tooth decay, it is likely because you are already experiencing minor or moderate signs of tooth decay. While tooth decay is reversible in its early stages, when it is left untreated, it can cause:
- Cosmetic issues such as staining, yellowing, and discoloration
- Damage to your teeth, such as cavities on the outside of your teeth
- Gum disease, such as gingivitis
- Tooth infections and dental abscesses
- Misalignment
- Missing teeth
Once cavities develop inside your teeth, it is important to have your dentist fill the cavities immediately. Small cavities can enlarge and create a tunnel for bacteria to infect your pulp. Tooth infections are very painful and require either root canal treatment or tooth extraction procedures. When tooth decay is severe, it can damage your gum lines and lead to your teeth becoming loose. Gum disease can force your dentist to extract one or more teeth.
Contact Splendid Dental Atascocita for Tooth Decay Prevention Today
If you are wondering how to prevent tooth decay, the best answer is to make sure that you regularly visit your dentist for annual exams. To find out more about our services and to set up a consultation, contact us online or call us today at 713-244-7790.
