Tooth decay is perhaps the most common dental problems that every patient experiences. At Advanced Family Dental Care, our dentist and team understand the affect that tooth decay can have on the rest of your smile and your overall health. That is why we want you to be as informed as possible to know how you can prevent tooth decay at home and in our office. To learn more about tooth decay in Hackensack, New Jersey, and its treatments, we welcome you to call us at 201-457-9595 and schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Eudoro Vallejo.
Tooth decay is a regular and constant threat to anyone’s oral health. If left untreated, it can cause great damage to not just one tooth but the entire mouth and even your overall health. Plaque is constantly floating around your mouth and attaching to your teeth. This plaque contains bacteria, which can use leftover food particles and sugar to grow. As the bacteria feed, they begin to produce acid that attacks and wears down the tooth enamel. Bacteria can attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes after you eat! As the protected tooth enamel is worn down, the more susceptible parts of your tooth become exposed, cavities form, and addition problems can arise.
There are a variety of ways to prevent and treat tooth decay, including:
- Rinse your mouth after eating to get rid of food particles that bacteria can feed on.
- Eat sugars and starches at meal times, when saliva flow is heavier, which can help clean the mouth of food particles.
- Dental fillings are most often used to treat cavities that have formed from tooth decay.
- Severe tooth decay can be treated with a dental crown, root canal, or tooth extraction.
If you have further questions about tooth decay, we welcome you to call or visit our practice today!
