Taking care of your smile is a lifelong process, and one that often requires more effort than many patients are currently putting in. Indeed, your smile is constantly defending against various threats, and unfortunately, your natural defenses pale in comparison. As such, it is important we take strides to practice preventive dentistry. Still, common concerns such as tooth decay can pose major problems, especially if you wait to seek treatment. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO dentist explains how decay can harm your smile at different stages and what you can do to prevent it.
Creating Small Cavities
When we ask our patients what they believe the most common oral health threat out there is, more often than not, we hear tooth decay; and they are correct! Believe it or not, tooth decay affects millions of people in the United States yearly in some way or another, and even more individuals do not seek necessary treatment before the issue has progressed. But what exactly is occurring?
You see, tooth decay occurs when oral bacteria that are present in the oral cavity nestle into the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Here, they feed off of the food you consume, including sugar. Sugars, in particular, cause these microorganisms to produce a destructive acid. Over time, bacteria and acids will wear away your protective layer of enamel, exposing the tooth to infection. Without effective care, a small hole known as a cavity may form.
Although cavities may be treated simply with a dental filling procedure, time is of the essence and it is important not to wait. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give our office a call today.
Damaging Sensitive Nerves
Unlike a headache or upset stomach, a toothache will not get better with time. As a matter of fact, you are experiencing tooth discomfort or pain because an infection has persisted for sone time and is causing damage to your nerves. You see, decay will continue to work its way into the inner parts of a tooth. Here, it causes damage to your nerves, which are housed in your roots.
When experiencing root infection, your dentist may examine to determine your chances of success with a root canal procedure. If the infection has spread farther than the threshold, the next best option is to remove the structure. Contact our team today to learn more.
Compromising Teeth
After an infection has reached a certain percentage of your tooth, the structure will be deemed beyond saving. In order to keep your neighboring teeth protected, a dental extraction may be necessary.
Learn More Today
Contact Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669 to schedule your next appointment with our team today and learn about the need for early interventive treatment.