A common cause of toothache is tooth decay. We use our teeth constantly, and, let’s be honest, we don’t always take the best care of them. As humans, we eat a lot of sugary, carb-rich foods that taste good, but can cause problems for our teeth.
Sugars in your food mix with your saliva and the bacteria in your mouth, forming a substance called plaque. Plaque is yellowish-white and sticks to your teeth. Brushing your teeth can remove large amounts of plaque, but removing all the plaque in your mouth is almost impossible.
Any remaining plaque eats away at your teeth, causing cavities, infections, and tooth decay. To combat tooth decay, we need to keep plaque at bay.
How To Know if You Have Tooth Decay!
The number one way to know if you have tooth decay is to get your teeth checked by a dentist. It is helpful to know the signs of tooth decay so you can catch it early on. Here are the most common symptoms of tooth decay:
- Toothache.
- Bad breath.
- Teeth sensitivity.
- Bad taste in the mouth.
- Discolored spots on a tooth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is recommended that you schedule a dental appointment. Our dental office can provide you with answers and treatment to eliminate your tooth pain. With our extensive experience and equipment, you can rest assured that you and your teeth are in good hands.
Why Should I Treat My Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay can cause painful toothaches and even infections. Tooth infections are treated with a root canal or extraction. If a tooth infection can’t be treated in time, it could spread to the other teeth, leading to chronic tooth loss.
Tooth decay has been linked to other diseases:
- Heart disease.
- Weakened immune system.
- Heart and brain infections.
You should seek treatment for tooth decay to prevent tooth pain, but also to keep the rest of your body healthy.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Tooth decay does not need to be something you should worry about. There are multiple preventative and reconstructive options for every level of tooth decay. If you are stressed about tooth decay you can try the following solutions to prevent tooth decay:
- Fluoride. Fluoride treatments or fluoride toothpaste can strengthen your teeth and fortify them against bacteria.
- Flossing. Flossing clears plaque away from in between your teeth. A lot of people forget to floss, but it’s one of the most important parts of the oral hygiene routine.
- Mouthwash. For an added layer of protection, you can rinse your mouth with mouthwash to flush all the debris out of your teeth.
- Proper Dental Hygiene. Make a consistent routine of brushing and flossing your teeth every day.
- Regular Dental Checkups. Visit your dentist every 6 months so they can help you manage plaque buildup.
If you already have tooth decay or start experiencing tooth decay there are some restoration options available to give you full use of your damaged tooth:
- Filings: When the damage to your tooth is minimal, it’s called a cavity and can be fixed with a simple tooth-colored filling.
- Crowns: After a root canal removes an infection, we can place a crown on it that will protect your tooth and restore its function.
- Sealants: Sealants are similar to fillings, but they are applied at the very first signs of wear before a cavity can form.
- Implants: If necessity requires that we remove the tooth, we can replace it with a dental implant or with another tooth replacement option.
While there are ways to restore your teeth after tooth decay, preventing tooth decay is less expensive and less time-consuming. Prevention is key!
Protect Your Teeth | Schedule With Us Now!
McCullough Dental wants to help you and your family have pain-free dental health. We strive to give you exceptional service with the comfort of feeling like family. Call us today to schedule an appointment that could save your tooth!