Dental caries, known as tooth decay, is common for people with poor dental hygiene – but it can also happen to those who regularly brush, floss, and use mouthwash. Delaying dental treatment can lead to infections and tooth loss, so it’s essential to visit a dentist regularly for preventative maintenance.
Early diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay can provide several benefits in terms of your oral and overall health. Let’s talk about some of the main benefits of preventing tooth decay and catching it before it develops into an infection.
Dental Maintenance for Strong Teeth
Tooth decay happens when bacteria damage the hard enamel and outer surfaces of the tooth. Bacteria feed on food particles that are left in your mouth, and they produce acids that gradually weaken your teeth. Without proper dental intervention, the acids can eventually eat through the tooth surfaces and cause tooth decay, and the bacteria can then invade further into the tooth.
Saliva assists in washing away food particles and bacteria while containing substances that actually help remineralize damaged tissues of the teeth. However, bacteria can form sticky plaque that prevents saliva from reaching the tooth surface. Plaque can harden into tartar, which is why it is important to have regular dental cleanings to remove any plaque or tartar that is forming on your teeth.
Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing help reduce bacterial growth on the teeth. Using fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash helps to strengthen the teeth from future bacterial attack, but dental cleanings are imperative to minimize the risk of tooth decay.
Preventing and Treating Cavities
The first stage of tooth decay is fixable, as your dentist can restore the demineralized hard tissues of the teeth through the use of treatments. However, enamel and other surface tissues can lose too many minerals, thereby causing irreversible damage. Since your body cannot produce more enamel, you will need the services of a dentist.
Your dentist can apply fillings made of resin, porcelain, or amalgam to help maintain the integrity of the tooth. These fillings protect the affected tooth by keeping bacteria and food particles away from the damaged site while restoring the shape of the tooth’s surface.
Avoiding Systemic Health Problems
Many people don’t realize it, but the dental disease can impact the rest of your body. This is because an invasion into the teeth via tooth decay can enable bacteria to get into the bloodstream, and the bacteria can then spread the infection to other organs of the body – including the heart.
Tooth Decay Prevention and Treatment in the Twin Cities
Tooth decay is preventable and responds well to early treatment. By visiting a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, you can reap the benefits of early detection.
Located in St. Paul, Hagerman Dental Care provides patients of all ages with comprehensive and personalized dental care. Dr. Hagerman and his team offer high-quality dental services for you and your family, from routine checkups and X-rays to cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hagerman, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (651) 646-2392 or by filling out our online form now. We look forward to seeing you here!