A good rule of thumb in terms of all medical care is that really the text. The same is true in dentistry. If you notice irregularities that you are not used to, you could be looking at a number of issues. A large ailment we see quite frequently is that of tooth decay. Here at Dental Specialty Associates, we want you to know all of the warning signs for tooth decay. That way this problem can be confronted immediately and solutions can be put into place.
Causes Of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when you consume sugary foods or drinks that react with bacteria and plaque. This creates an acid that attacks the outer layer of your tooth, called enamel. This issue can present itself in many symptoms, though tooth decay usually comes after you have a persistently infected tooth or a cavity. If you start to notice sensitivity in a tooth, and an abnormally bad taste in your mouth or consistent bad breath, these are signs you could potentially be suffering from it. Other warning signs are swollen gums around an aching tooth, or discoloration and gray/brown spots on your teeth or gums. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, the first thing you should do is consult your dentist. Your dentist will ask you questions regarding your dental care, check your teeth, and find out if tooth decay is the issue you are facing.
Once the ailment is diagnosed, a filling, crown, root canal, or removal will be performed by your dentist, depending on the severity of the tooth decay.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Before you start to experience any of the symptoms you can prevent this issue by taking better care of your teeth. It is vital to your oral health that you brush your teeth twice a day. Also, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a material that helps build up the enamel on your teeth. Also be sure to limit the number of sugary foods and drinks you take in. This will help avoid the breakdown of your enamel. Lastly, make sure you are seeing your dentist regularly to ensure that a professional is regularly looking at your teeth to ensure there are no further issues.
Have A Question About Tooth Decay?
Do you have any concerns regarding tooth decay? Please, Dental Specialty Associates a call at 602-795-5995 to schedule an appointment to speak to one of our experts today.
