Meet Dr. Sadiqa Stelzner

HOME - DENTAL SERVICES - TOOTH DECAY

Tooth Decay

Dental decay occurs when acids in the mouth dissolve the outer layers of the teeth. These acids develop when bacteria in the mouth utilize carbohydrates in consumed food to form plaque.

Board Certified Ophthalmologist Santa Monica, CA

Tooth Decay Service in El Monte

Individuals who consume large quantities of food and drink that are high in sugar or carbohydrates could see the problem exacerbating as sugary carbs provide bacteria with the energy they need.

Buildup of plaque can cause a number of issues. These include the accumulation of calculus, which develops when the sticky substance hardens. When this occurs, patients may not be able to remove the harmful bacteria through simple brushing.
Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health issues affecting people in the Canada and it occurs when the structure of the tooth is damaged by acids. These acids are formed when bacteria break down the sugar in foods, which means that the more sugary snacks you eat, the higher the risk of cavities. Soda, cereal, chocolate and starchy, refined carbohydrates are the usual suspects when dealing with tooth decay.
Tooth decay is also caused by poor oral hygiene; failing to brush and floss your teeth correctly leads to a build-up of residue that in time weaken the structure of the enamel.

Treatment for tooth decay

Illustration

Minor dental decay cases can be treated with better sugar in diet control and using high fluoride toothpaste and regular dentist reviews. Moderate teeth decay cases are usually fixed with white fillings. Whereas if the decay has advanced and reached the center of the tooth, the pulp may become infected. For this reason in advance tooth decay cases, patients may need to undergo root canal treatment to remove the inflamed or infected pulp tissue. In very advanced tooth decay cases, the tooth maybe unrestorable and tooth extraction may be necessary.

Is Tooth Decay Reversible

The good news is that tooth decay can be reversed before it turns into cavities. Spotting the early signs of tooth decay is the best way to prevent the decay from getting larger and causing extensive damage.
More often than not, patients see the dentist when the decay has already turned into a cavity and causes symptoms such as a visible stain and sharp pain, but the tell-tale signs are much subtler and can only be seen by an experienced dentist.
Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, regular checkups at our dental clinic in Canada will ensure that your oral cavity is in the best possible health and that any signs of decay are treated before they become a major issue.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Our dental team can help you with any dental health needs, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry