Keep your smile attractive and healthy with restorative treatments from Dr. Walters.
Cavities can affect people of all age groups. In a healthy mouth, the enamel, or hard outer layer of the teeth, protects the softer tissues inside. Eating or drinking acidic foods can attack the enamel, forming a sticky layer loaded with bacteria, known as plaque, which eats away at the enamel and creates an opening. This hole and its resulting decay is a cavity.
Old fillings can also leave adults vulnerable to tooth decay because they can wear out, crack, loosen, and leave small openings in the teeth. The bacteria slip into these spaces and lead to tooth decay or even tooth loss.
Symptoms of tooth decay
- Toothache: Continuous pain that keeps you awake or occasional sharp pain without an apparent cause. Note that tooth decay may not cause any pain.
- Tooth sensitivity: Pain or sensitivity with hot, cold or sweet foods and beverages
- Grey, brown or black spots on your teeth
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
How to avoid tooth decay
- Brush your teeth two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove debris that can cause decay. Use dental floss or a water flosser
- Maintain a regular schedule of cleanings and exams with Dr. Walters
- Ask if fluoride treatments and dental sealants are of benefit to you
- Cut down on sugary and acidic foods and beverages
How We Treat Tooth Decay
- There are varied ways to treat cavities and tooth decay, depending on the cause and the extent of deterioration. Dr. Walters will discuss a treatment plan with you to fix the decay and protect your tooth from further decline.
- If the root of the tooth is infected, a root canal may be necessary to preserve the tooth.
- Left untreated, tooth decay will cause infections and damage to the dental enamel and chewing surface.
Call our office today for a dental check-up to ensure tooth decay is not on the way! 614-662-2082