Understanding Dental Decay
Cavities result when bacteria interact with sugar or starches to form acid. The acids gradually wear away dental enamel unless you are diligent about your oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist for professional dental cleanings. When decay starts, you may develop small, white spots on your teeth. At this point, a thorough cleaning can typically halt damage to your teeth. However, these spots do not always appear, and if the erosion process continues, the acid and bacteria will eventually affect the underlying layers of your tooth. Eventually, the cavity could compromise your entire tooth and you may even develop gum disease or cavities in your adjacent teeth.
If you or someone in your family has not been to the dentist every six months, cavities may go undiagnosed for a long time and grow larger. We are dedicated to helping all our patients feel comfortable, so if dental anxiety has been holding you back from regular oral health care, please give us a call. You don't want to wait until you develop a toothache, dental sensitivity, or major tooth discoloration to see the dentist. If you do your part by performing daily recommended oral hygiene practices, we can usually prevent dental decay as a team. Even if you do develop a cavity, we will be able to detect it early, and Dr. Tran will treat it with a filling.
