It can be so frustrating you find out another cavity has taken over a tooth! Even those with the best diet and oral hygiene can be affected by dental decay. In this blog, your Sheridan, WY, dentist explains the multiple causes of cavities, ways to prevent them, and how we can easily restore them with tooth-colored fillings.
What Causes Dental Decay?
Cavities are caused by a bacteria known as strep mutans. It feeds on sugars and produces an acidic by-product that destroys teeth. Decay or erosion can also be due to a very acidic environment which can be caused by health conditions such as dry mouth, acid reflux, or GERD. Frequently consuming acidic beverages can also slowly erode the protective enamel layer.
What Can I Do to Prevent Cavities?
Avoiding frequent snacking on foods high in sugar or carbohydrates is a must. It is best to choose snacks with high fiber or water content such as raw carrots, apples, cucumbers, or nuts. Choosing a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily also helps to promote strong teeth. Preventing cavities can be easy if there isn’t an underlying health problem. If you are experiencing GERD or acid reflux frequently, it may benefit you to see an ENT specialist. These conditions create a very acidic oral environment that can rapidly cause dental decay. Our dental team is trained to understand the signs of acid erosion and will advise you based on what we are seeing.
Restoring Your Teeth
If you catch cavities in the earliest stages, there are ways to re-mineralize the enamel. This is one reason that it is important to keep up with dental check-ups. With the advancement of x-ray technology, we can see cavities in their infancy and apply fluorides and other products to prevent the cavity from spreading deeper into the tooth. If the decay has spread into the more vulnerable layers of your tooth a filling may be necessary. We have natural-looking filling material that will blend seamlessly into your existing teeth. If you have severe erosion of the enamel or require more extensive repair, we offer full-mouth rehabilitation such as crowns or cosmetic veneers.
Schedule Your Check-Up Today!
Don’t allow cavities to destroy your teeth. Be proactive in protecting your dental well-being and let us keep you in top shape. Reach out to Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at 307-672-7567 to schedule your dental check-up today. We are excited to partner with you in preventing and treating dental decay.
