Taking care of your teeth is essential for many reasons. However, the most important reason to care for them is simply to preserve them for as long as possible. Your teeth require daily care and bi-annual deep cleanings. Neglecting them or skipping these vital steps leaves them more susceptible to decay. Tooth decay is when there is damage to the tooth’s surface (the enamel). It is one of the most common diseases that dentists see.
Dr. Paul Karpovich is a trusted general dentist in Timonium, MD. He provides treatment for his patients that suffer from tooth decay.
About Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is often referred to as dental caries or more commonly, cavities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) it is one of the biggest untreated health problems today. While anyone is susceptible to it, this disease is very prevalent among children. The CDC states that children between the ages of 6-8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth.
During your regular dental exams, your dentist will look for signs of decay on your teeth. These signs include:
- Bad Breath
- Grey, brown or black spots on your teeth
- A small hole forming on the tooth
There are also several ways you can tell if you have a cavity. A toothache is the most common symptom. It can be constant pain that keeps you awake at night or sharp, sudden pain. You may also experience tooth sensitivity or tenderness when you are eating or drinking something hot or cold.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is physical damage to the surface of the tooth. There are several factors working together that lead to this damage. When bacteria in your saliva meet up with sugar and starches from the food you eat, it forms a substance called plaque. Everyone must brush their teeth every day to remove plaque from their teeth. Otherwise, it will sit there and produce acid which slowly eats away at your teeth. Poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of tooth decay.
Treatment for Tooth Decay in Timonium, MD
To tackle this oral health problem, dentists offer several treatments and preventive measures.
Teeth Cleanings
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to schedule your routine dentist appointments every six months. At these visits, we will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove any built up plaque that may be hiding in your mouth. This, in combination with daily brushing and flossing, is the best way to prevent dental cavities.
Dental Sealants
We recommend placing dental sealants on children’s molars when they erupt. Since the molars are used to chew food, they are highly susceptible to decay. Dental sealants are thin coatings of plastic that the dentist will paint on the teeth. They will adhere to entire chewing surface of the tooth and act as a barrier protecting the tooth against dental cavities.
Dental Fillings
If the dentist sees that you have a cavity, he will recommend a tooth filling. This is a conservative treatment to preserve the tooth by stopping the progression of the decay. The dentist will remove any decayed portion of the tooth and fill in the hole with special material. Dental fillings come in various materials like gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, and composite resin.
Tooth Decay FAQs
Read answers to common questions about tooth decay in Timonium, MD:
How can diet affect tooth decay?
Yes, a healthy diet can help prevent tooth decay. To reduce the risk of tooth decay:
- Limit sugary and acidic foods.
- Choose healthy snacks like fruits, veggies, and nuts.
- Drink water instead of soda or juice.
- Brush and floss after eating to remove food particles.
Are children more prone to tooth decay?
Yes, children are more prone to tooth decay than adults. Here’s why:
- Thinner Enamel: Kids’ tooth enamel is thinner and not as strong as adult enamel, making it easier for cavities to form.
- Poor Brushing Habits: Children often don’t brush their teeth as thoroughly and can leave behind plaque and food particles.
- Sugary Snacks and Drinks: Many kids eat sugary foods and drinks that feed the bacteria that cause cavities.
- Bottle Feeding: Babies who go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice can develop “baby bottle tooth decay” because the sugar sits on their teeth overnight.
- Hard-to-Reach Teeth: Kids’ back teeth (molars) have grooves and pits that can trap food.
Can tooth decay be reversed in its early stages?
Yes, tooth decay can sometimes be reversed in its early stages, but only if you catch it before a cavity forms.
First, continue to brush and floss daily. Floss before you brush and then brush for two minutes at least twice a day. We recommend that you use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel. You can also get a fluoride treatment in our office.
Continue to schedule a dental cleaning every six months. At regular visits our dentist can spot early signs of decay and recommend the best treatment.
How does dry mouth increase the risk of tooth decay?
Dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay because saliva plays a key role in protecting your teeth. Saliva helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities. Without enough saliva, these substances stay on your teeth longer.
Saliva neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. Acid weakens tooth enamel, so without enough saliva, your teeth are more vulnerable to damage. Saliva also contains enzymes that help fight harmful bacteria. Bacteria can grow more easily without enough saliva.
Can stress contribute to tooth decay?
Yes, stress can indirectly contribute to tooth decay in a few ways. Stressed people might forget to brush or floss regularly, which allows plaque and bacteria to build up and cause cavities. Stress can cause people to grind or clench their teeth at night. This can wear down the enamel.
Stress often leads to eating more sugary or starchy snacks, which feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Long-term stress can also weakens your immune system to make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
How do you know when tooth decay has reached the dental pulp?
You can tell tooth decay has reached the dental pulp (the inner part of the tooth with nerves and blood vessels) if you notice certain symptoms. Here’s what to look for:
- Severe toothache
- Tooth sentivity
- Swelling or pus in your gums
- A gray or brown tooth
- Pain when biting and chewing
Contact our office if you notice any of these symptoms.
What is tooth demineralization?
Tooth demineralization is the early stage of tooth decay. It happens when acids from bacteria, food, and drinks wear away the minerals in your tooth enamel. This weakens the enamel and can cause white spots on your teeth. Demineralization can lead to cavities if left untreated.
What should I do if I think I have a cavity?
If you think you have a cavity, schedule an appointment with Dr. Karpovich as soon as possible. He will examine your teeth and take X-rays if needed to confirm if you have a cavity. Make sure you tell our dentist about any pain and sensitivity or changes in your teeth.
Call Our Office
Dr. Paul Karpovich is a caring dentist in Timonium, MD that wants to help his patients keep their teeth in good health. Let him know at your next appointment if you suspect you have a dental cavity or would like to learn more about how to prevent them. If you need to book your routine dental exam, contact our local dentist office at (410) 221-3085 or request your appointment with Dr. Karpovich on our website.