It’s no secret that the best way to keep your teeth cavity-free is by practicing good oral hygiene. By seeing your dentist for regular checkups, maintaining a solid oral care routine at home, and staying away from foods or drinks high in sugar, you can significantly decrease your chances of developing cavities. While almost every adult worldwide has dental caries, the good news is that tooth decay is largely preventable.
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, occurs due to an infectious process that gradually damages tooth structure. It begins when a sticky film called plaque accumulates on the surfaces of your teeth. As the harmful bacteria in dental plaque metabolize the sugars in your diet, they produce acids that can wear away at healthy tooth enamel over time.
Without proper care, a cavity can lead to significant damage to tooth structure, irreversible harm to the nerve of the tooth, a dental infection, tooth loss, and even more severe consequences for your overall health and well-being.
At Winston Salem Office, we offer top-notch care to help reduce your risk for tooth decay and detect cavities early when they are easiest to treat. Remember, excellent oral hygiene, a nutritious diet low in sweets, regular dental cleanings, checkups, and care are the best ways to preserve the health of your smile.
By brushing and flossing your teeth each day as recommended, you can help prevent the buildup of dental plaque, which is responsible for dental disease. Even the most diligent brushers and flossers may miss some spots, so we recommend professional teeth cleanings twice a year at checkup time. In this way, our hygienist can remove any residual plaque you may have missed while brushing and guide you on better practices for maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home. For children, who are particularly prone to cavities, we also provide periodic fluoride treatments and place dental sealants to strengthen and shield their teeth.
While being proactive is the best way to prevent tooth decay, there's no need to panic if a cavity does develop. With early detection and care, our dentist will carefully 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 tooth-colored materials to expertly rebuild the appearance and function of your tooth. Your new restoration will be durable, attractive, and blend seamlessly with your smile. For deep tooth decay, we may recommend a full-coverage crown and additional treatment as needed.
In conclusion, maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential in the fight against tooth decay. By visiting our dental office regularly for checkups and cleanings, practicing proper brushing and flossing techniques at home, and consuming a balanced diet low in sugar, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities. Our dedicated staff at Winston Salem Office is here to help guide you on the path to optimal oral health, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your dental care.
