Want to Avoid Tooth Decay? See the Dentist in Marysville

Tooth-colored fillings do not have to be an inevitable part of your oral health care. Believe it or not, there are people who go through life without a single cavity, and you could be one of them. We are not suggesting that avoiding tooth decay is easy. However, if you commit to seeing the dentist in Marysville regularly and brush and floss your teeth every day, then you just might be one of the lucky ones.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

At first, tooth decay is invisible and painless. However, it will start to spread and worsen without intervention. You may actually be able to see a cavity, and tooth sensitivity or even pain could develop.

Tooth decay happens when acidic excretions from oral bacteria begin to erode tooth enamel. This erosion can eventually become a hole in the outer surface of a tooth. This hole is called a cavity or dental caries.

When caught early, a small cavity can be repaired with a tooth-colored filling. This type of filling is made of composite resin and is designed to blend in with the natural color of your tooth. A cavity that is not spotted soon enough may require another type of tooth restoration, such as an inlay, onlay or a dental crown.

Is It Possible to Prevent Tooth Decay?

Yes, there are steps you and your family can take to help prevent tooth decay. First, you cannot simply rely on a family dentist in Marysville to do all of the work. Your commitment to a good oral hygiene routine at home is essential.

Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice every day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Soft bristles are much gentler on tooth enamel, so they are less likely to scratch the surface.

Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to strengthen enamel and can even help to remineralize this hard substance if it begins to wear away. Toothpaste with fluoride is especially important for children whose teeth are developing.

In addition to brushing your teeth, you must also floss at lease once a day. Flossing removes trapped particles of food between teeth and accumulated plaque. If not removed, then the bacteria in plaque could eventually lead to a cavity. Bacterial plaque is also responsible for gum (periodontal) disease.

What Else Can Be Done to Avoid Tooth Decay?

Your dentist in Marysville may recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants if you are particularly prone to developing cavities. Both of these services are commonly applied to children’s teeth. However, they are not off limits to adults and may be helpful if the patient is overly sensitive to tooth decay. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the best way you can avoid cavities.

Meet the Doctor

At Allen Creek Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing all of the services our patients need to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Our treatment options include preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Sleep apnea therapy, periodontal therapy and emergency dentistry are also available. Call our office today to schedule a visit.