How To Prevent Tooth Decay
Marielaina Perrone DDS is a family, implant, and cosmetic dentist serving Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson, NV. Dental services include dental implants, teeth whitening, orthodontics, Botox, and treatment of periodontal disease. "We believe in a comprehensive approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, that fully... more
Tooth decay destroys natural tooth structures. It can affect both the enamel (outer layer) and the tooth's dentin layer (inner layer). Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth loss and affects almost everyone at some point in their life. Fortunately, you can easily prevent tooth decay. Bacteria are naturally occurring in the mouth. Certain bacteria can attach to the hard surface of the mouth, such as the enamel that covers the teeth.
If these bacteria are not kept in check, they can grow and grow in number until colonies are formed. Proteins in saliva are mixed, and bacterial colonies turn into whitish membranes (plaques) on the enamel. These bacteria eat sugar and starch from chocolate, sticky candy, ice cream, cakes, milk, and even fruits, vegetables, and juices, producing acid as a by-product.
This acid then breaks down tooth enamel, slowly dissolving the tooth. A cavity is formed, causing a break in the tooth structure. If this cavity is not restored, tooth decay can progress further, reaching the dentin. Once inside the dentin, it can spread even quicker. This can lead to a more significant issue of a dental infection if left untreated. Unfortunately for the patient, this process is extremely slow, so there may be no pain or tooth sensitivity until the cavity becomes quite significant.
Tooth Decay Prevention
-Maintain a routine regimen of dental hygiene. This is necessary to prevent tooth decay. A good dental hygiene program includes routine visits to the dentist and hygienist, brushing after every meal, and flossing at least once a day. Food can get stuck in between our teeth when we eat.
If the food debris is not removed, it can eventually lead to tooth decay. Flossing at least once per day is the best way to remove food from in between the teeth.
-Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals and limit snacking. Refrain from carbohydrates such as candy, pretzels, and chips. These can remain on the tooth surface for extended periods. If sticky foods are chosen, brush your teeth as soon as possible.
Eating fruits and vegetables as snacks and limiting the number of sugary drinks and foods will help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth.
-Supplemental Fluoride. Fluoride can strengthen and remineralize your teeth. Your dentist may recommend a daily fluoride rinse as part of your dental hygiene program. This will help in the prevention of tooth decay.
-Dental Sealants. These can prevent some tooth decay. Sealants are ultra-thin coatings applied to the top (chewing) surfaces of the molars. This coating helps prevent the build-up of plaque in the deep grooves on these molars. Sealants are generally applied to the children's teeth soon after the molars erupt into the mouth. Adults can also benefit from dental sealants if they have a high risk of tooth decay or deep anatomical grooves in the molars and premolars.
-Antibacterial Mouth Rinse. There are several antibacterial mouth rinses on the market that have been clinically proven to reduce plaque. Rinsing with antibacterial mouth rinses after brushing or eating can help in preventing tooth decay. These rinses work by reducing the number of bacteria present in the mouth and acting as a rinse to help wash away plaque and film on teeth.
-Sugarless Gum. Chewing sugarless gum will help prevent tooth decay by increasing salivary flow. In research studies, xylitol has been shown to temporarily slow down the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
To reduce tooth decay, eating less sugar, regular cleanings, brushing, and flossing are all needed to keep the bacteria that cause tooth decay from getting out of control. Tooth decay is preventable and treatable. Diligent dental hygiene, along with regular dental visits, will keep you cavity-free!
Regain confidence in your smile with the help of Marielaina Perrone DDS!
Our goal is to help our patients give them their best smiles yet. Dr. Perrone and her cosmetic dental team are proud to offer comprehensive dental care, including routine dental cleanings as well as the cosmetic and restorative procedures mentioned above.
If you are ready for a smile makeover, contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no-cost cosmetic consultation appointment. We cannot wait to help you with your state-of-the-art smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.
