Tooth Decay Prevention
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay is the most prevalent and preventable chronic disease in children and adults today. Tooth decay is typically symptomless until there’s already a cavity or a tooth abscess (an infection at the root of a tooth or in the gums), both of which can lead to pain and tooth loss if left untreated. That’s why at Fresh Dental, we make prevention of tooth decay your dental plan’s primary focus.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay occurs when the mouth’s naturally occurring, harmful bacteria combine with the sugars from food, producing acids. Over time, the acids eat away at your tooth’s enamel, causing tooth decay and eventually cavities or dental caries. Symptoms of tooth decay or a tooth abscess include:
- A toothache
- Swelling in the gums
- Bad breath/taste in the mouth
- Gray, brown, or black spots on your teeth
If you have a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates, drink from a water source that does not contain fluoride, or suffer from reduced salivary flow, you may be at risk for tooth decay. Young children are at higher risk for decay than are adults.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Successful preventive care requires good oral hygiene practices at home and routine visits to the dentist. At Fresh Dental, our Concord dentists Drs. Amit Ganglani, Joti Johal, and Richard Dunning understand that finding a dentist you have confidence in is key to maintaining a healthy smile, so we put extra effort and time into forming a long-term, trust-based relationship with all of our patients.
The following are steps you can take at home and during your routine dental visits to prevent tooth decay and improve your overall oral health:
- 1. Eat healthy foods that are low in sugar.
- 2. Brush and floss a minimum of two times each day.
- 3. Use a mouthwash or rinse regularly.
- 4. Schedule routine visits and cleanings.
- 5. Consider having regular fluoride treatments, especially if you don’t get fluoride in your drinking water.
- 6. Have dental sealants applied to your back teeth if they are free of fillings and decay; dental sealants are especially effective at protecting children’s teeth.
Treatment of Tooth Decay
If you have been diagnosed with tooth decay, the best course of treatment will depend on its severity. The following treatments are used once decay has eaten through tooth enamel:
- Filling: The decay is removed and Drs. Ganglani, Johal, and Dunning fill the hole with one of several materials, based on your preference, returning it to its natural form.
- Crown: If your tooth is severely damaged, a tooth-shaped cap is made to replace the damaged area.
- Root canal: If infection has reached the pulp of your tooth, Drs. Ganglani, Johal, and Dunning will remove the infected area and replace damaged or missing parts of the affected tooth with a crown.
- Extraction: If the extent of the decay is severe, removal of the damaged tooth may be necessary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a tooth abscess?
A: A tooth abscess is an infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gum as a result of severe tooth-decay trauma. Signs that you may have a tooth abscess include fever, tooth pain/sensitivity, bad breath, swollen glands, swelling in the gums or upper or lower jaw, and open sores.
Q: Is tooth pain a sign of tooth decay?
A: Tooth pain can be a sign of tooth decay or other oral health issues. If you are experiencing tooth pain, you should contact our provider and have it diagnosed immediately.
Q: What at-home teeth-cleaning products are the best?
A: Tooth extraction may become necessary in severe cases of tooth decay. Extraction will only be considered after every possible avenue that preserves the tooth is exhausted.
Q: Is tooth extraction necessary if you have tooth decay?
A: Tooth extraction may become necessary in severe cases of tooth decay. Extraction will only be considered after every possible avenue that preserves the tooth is exhausted.
Call (704) 549-9922 to find out more about tooth decay and prevention or to schedule your routine exam with our Concord dental office today.
Reviews
The staff is wonderful here ! They seen my husband on an emergency basis and they took their time with him, they thoroughly explained everything, everyone in this office from the front desk to the assistant to the doctor were wonderful! We traveled 45 minutes to come there and we will definitely be coming back! Finally found a caring dental office! It is worth the drive! Thank you all for your compassion and truly caring!
Had my second appointment this month and so far they have been a wonderful staff by showing that they care about not only the needs of patient but also asking if there’s anything in particular we want done. I’m overall satisfied with my visit and happy I’ve found a dentist who cares. Thanks!
Had an impromptu root canal this morning with Dr.Dunning and staff. They always take great care of me and fit me in last minute. Clean, Comfortable and Friendly office. From reception to root canal, great experience.
I had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Patel and her staff today at FreshDental in Concord. I was very anxious about the appointment and any procedure, but Kimmie Bryant was very patient with me and spend a lot of time trying to calm me down and made me feel comfortable. Dr. Patel is very professional and has a naturally lovely personality. She takes the time to explain what needs to be done and provides valuable advice. I highly recommend Dr. Patel and her staff. A very pleasant visit indeed! I would definitely be back and would highly recommend the place for Dental work. - Erce Cobile
We had a pleasant experience with Dr. Patel and his staff today at FreshDental in Concord. I was very anxious about the appointment and any procedure, but Kimmie was very patient with me and spend a lot of time and made me feel comfortable. Dr. Patel is very professional and has a naturally lovely personality. He takes the time to explain what needs to be done and provides valuable advice. I highly recommend Dr. Patel and his staff.
Absolutely every bit of 5 stars ...best dental visit I ever had ..the doctor and staff are very professional...I had 10 fiil ins and we got through it with no problems ..very sweet and smart and I even learned some valuable info that I never knew about ...this place definitely has my business...A+
Dental Services Offered at Concord NC FRESHDental
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Implants
- Dentures
- Digital X-rays
- Emergency Dental Services
- Family Dentist
- Fixed and Removeable Bridges
- Fluoride Treatment
- General Dentistry
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Hygiene Services
- Inlays and Onlays
- Invisalign
- Oral Cancer Screenings
- Orthodontics
- Porcelain Veneers
- Professional Teeth Cleanings
- Root Canals
- Sealants
- Smile Design Treatment
- Teeth Whitening
- Tooth Decay Prevention
- Tooth Extractions
- Tooth Fillings
- Wisdom Teeth Removal