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 Mill Pond Dental, we make prevention of tooth decay your dental plan’s primary focus.
Anatomy of tooth decay

Click for larger view

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 Mill Pond Dental, our Cape Cod, MA dentist Dr. Tudor 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:

  • Eat healthy foods that are low in sugar.
  • [spacer size=”10″]

  • Brush and floss a minimum of two times each day.
  • [spacer size=”10″]

  • Use a mouthwash or rinse regularly.
  • [spacer size=”10″]

  • Schedule routine visits and cleanings.
  • [spacer size=”10″]

  • Consider having regular fluoride treatments, especially if you don’t get fluoride in your drinking water.
  • [spacer size=”10″]

  • 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.

[spacer size=”20″]

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 Dr. Tudor fills the hole with one of several materials, based on your preference, returning it to its natural form.
  • [spacer size=”10″]

  • Crown: If your tooth is severely damaged, a tooth-shaped cap is made to replace the damaged area.
  • [spacer size=”10″]

  • Root canal: If infection has reached the pulp of your tooth, Dr. Tudor will remove the infected area and replace damaged or missing parts of the affected tooth with a crown.
  • [spacer size=”10″]

  • Extraction: If the extent of the decay is severe, removal of the damaged tooth may be necessary.

[spacer size=”20″]

FAQ

[spoiler title=”What is a tooth abscess?” open=”0″ style=”1″]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.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”Is tooth pain a sign of tooth decay?” open=”0″ style=”1″]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.[/spoiler]

[spoiler title=”Is tooth extraction necessary if you have tooth decay?” open=”0″ style=”1″]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.[/spoiler]
[spacer size=”20″]

Call 508.540.2303 to find out more about tooth decay and prevention or to schedule your routine exam with our Cape Cod, MA dental office today.