What is Tooth Decay?
Plaque is an insidious substance-a colorless, sticky film that blankets
your teeth and creating 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 one
of the biggest causes for tooth decay. It also causes your gums to become
irritated, inflamed, and in some cases, bleed. Over time, the decay process may
cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, a condition called receding gums.
In addition, the long-term decay process can lead to infections in your gums
and can eat away at the bone structures under the teeth.
Inside your
teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or dentin, the pulp, which
contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues, and the root.
Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious condition occurs when
the structures that support your teeth-the gums, the 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. |
