Concerned Dentist in Kingston Upon Thames Cautions Patients About the Dangers of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is another name for dental caries or dental cavity. Tooth decay can affect people of all ages, not just children with constant cravings for sweets. Very sugary foods and fizzy drinks certainly contribute to tooth decay, however, the most common culprit is inadequate brushing and flossing after consuming even a healthy meal. Tooth decay poses a serious threat to your oral health and can lead to a lot of pain, difficulty eating, and the loss of your precious teeth. Bad bacteria in your mouth feed off the sugar left on your teeth from anything you consume. They produce an acid that wears away at your teeth in a process known as demineralization. The process breaks down the hard tissues of your teeth and in severe cases of tooth decay, you will see pits and holes in your teeth. If you are genetically prone to more plaque and tartar build up, you are more vulnerable to tooth decay. If you are already suffering from gum disease, this also makes you a more likely candidate for tooth decay. When tooth decay becomes so severe that it rots away the core of your tooth, you will lose the tooth and need a dental implant or dentures. If caught early, tooth decay can be treated with a simple fluoride treatment or repaired with a filling by your dentist in Kingston Upon Thames.