Preserving the health of your teeth is essential for maintaining a beautiful smile. By practicing good oral hygiene, scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist at Greensboro Office, and making smart choices about what you eat or drink, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities. Although tooth decay affects approximately 60-90% of children worldwide and nearly all adults, it is largely preventable.
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, occurs due to an infectious process that leads to progressive damage to your tooth structure. This begins when a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, accumulates on the surfaces of your teeth. When these bacteria break down the sugars in your diet, they produce acids that can gradually wear away at healthy tooth enamel.
If left untreated, a cavity can cause severe damage to your tooth structure, harm the nerve of the tooth, lead to a dental infection, result in tooth loss, and even have negative effects on your overall health and well-being. By staying proactive about your oral care, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of these complications.
At Greensboro Office, we provide top-notch care to help reduce your risk for tooth decay and detect cavities early on, when they are typically the easiest to treat. Remember, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, eating a nutritious diet low in sweets, scheduling regular dental cleanings, checkups, and care are key components in safeguarding the health of your smile.
By brushing and flossing your teeth as recommended by our professional staff, you can help prevent the buildup of dental plaque that is responsible for dental disease. Even the best brushers and flossers may miss some spots, which is why we recommend professional teeth cleanings twice a year during checkup time. In this way, our hygienist can remove any residual plaque you may have missed while brushing and provide guidance on better practices for maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home.
For children, who are particularly susceptible to cavities, we offer periodic fluoride treatments and place dental sealants to strengthen and shield their teeth. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing essential dietary advice and demonstrating the most effective home care methods to help patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
While prevention is always the best approach, it's essential not to panic if a cavity does develop. With early detection and care, our dentist will gently and expertly remove the diseased and damaged tooth structure and place a long-lasting filling to restore the integrity of your tooth. We use state-of-the-art biocompatible materials that are both attractive and durable, ensuring your new restoration blends seamlessly with your smile.
In cases where deep tooth decay is present, we may recommend a full-coverage crown or additional treatment as needed. By staying proactive about your oral care and visiting our office for regular checkups and cleanings, you can ensure the health of your teeth for years to come.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about tooth decay prevention or treatment. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always here to help!
