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  • What is Tooth Decay?

What is Tooth Decay?

  • Created in Tooth Care

Plaque is an insidious substance—a colorless, sticky film—that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.

Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.

Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay.  It can also cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed. Over time, the plaque underneath your gums may cause periodontal disease, which can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or dentin.  It can also destroy the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues, as well as the root. 

Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious condition occurs when the structures that support your teeth—the gums and bone—break down from the infection.  Pain, hypersensitivity and bleeding are some of the signs of periodontal disease.

Simple Preventative Measures

The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public drinking water contains fluoride, but if you are unsure of your water supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.

A good way to help your oral health between brushing is chewing sugarless gum; this stimulates your body's production of saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from your mouth.

In some cases, our office can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.

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Featured Services

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  • What is Orthodontics

    Irregularities with your mouth and teeth, as well as certain abnormalities or irregularities with your facial features, are typically treated by specialists in orthodontic dentistry.

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  • All About Braces

    Braces are usually custom-made and are prescribed and designed by the orthodontist according to the problem being treated. Other orthopedic appliances are designed to correct jaw-growth problems.

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  • Emergency Instructions

    Some problems with your braces may arise when our office is closed. If so, please look over the list for a quick fix until an appointment is scheduled.

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  • First Visit

    During the exam, Dr. Potts will provide information regarding your orthodontic needs and approximately how long your treatment will require.

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