Jarred K. Donald, DDS
16631 Coit Rd #114
Dallas, TX 75248
972-818-4300
888-49-SMILE
Patient Education - General Dentist Information in Dallas
What is Tooth Decay?
Plaque is an insidious substance-a colorless, sticky film that blankets
your teeth and creating an environment in which bacteria erode tooth
enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as
pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.
Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in
sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy
and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.
Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.
Plaque is one of the biggest causes for tooth decay. It also
causes your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and in some cases,
bleed. Over time, the decay process may cause your gums to pull away
from your teeth, a condition called receding gums. In addition, the
long-term decay process can lead to infections in your gums and can eat
away at the bone structures under the teeth.
Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner
layer, or dentin, the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and
other tissues, and the root.
Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious
condition occurs when the structures that support your teeth-the gums,
the bone, break down from the infection. Pain, hypersensitivity and
bleeding are some of the signs of periodontal disease.
Simple Preventative Measures
The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a
healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily
brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public
drinking water contains fluoride, but if you are unsure of your water
supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.
A good way to help your oral health between brushing is
chewing sugarless gum; this stimulates your body's production of
saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation
and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from your mouth.
In some cases, our office can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or
apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.
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