Diseases That Cause Tooth Decay
Twin Aspen Dental Center Helps You Prevent Tooth Decay
Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, but did you know other common diseases can have an effect on your oral health? We’re here to help you understand what’s causing your tooth decay.
The 5 Stages of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a process that happens over five stages. Understanding the signs of each stage will help you get into our dental chairs sooner rather than later to receive proper dental care. Review each tooth decay stage below:
Initial Demineralization: Your enamel is the hard coating on the outside of your teeth, and if your smile has been impacted by tooth decay, this is where it starts. After exposure to acidic or sugary foods and drinks, your mouth can begin to develop bacteria which eats at the enamel creating a white spot on your tooth. This is the first sign of tooth decay, and it would be wise to schedule an appointment to get it checked out by Dr. Richter.
Enamel Decay: When those white spots begin to turn dark brown, your enamel has broken down even further. Once the deterioration has reached this stage, your teeth can begin to form cavities which you will need to have filled by Dr. Richter. Proper brushing and flossing can prevent this mineral breakdown from occurring before they become cavities.
Dentin Decay: Dentin is the tooth material lying just below the enamel surface. It is much softer, making it more vulnerable to damage from acid and sugary substances you eat and drink. You will also begin to experience more sensitivity because dentin is connected to the tubules leading to the tooth’s main nerve. Hot and cold food and drinks may be off the menu until you get the decay taken care of by a dentist.
Pulp Damage: Located in the center of your tooth, the pulp is the most sensitive. Allowing tooth decay to reach this portion of your tooth can lead to more extensive dental services for repair. A root canal may be necessary to correct the damage done by the decay. The pulp also delivers sensation to the tooth, which is why the pain is more apparent when there is an issue here.
Abscess: Once the decay has reached your tooth’s pulp, it can become infected. An abscess of pus will then form at the base of your tooth and lead to inflammation. The pain can move past your tooth and radiate through your jawline. The lymph nodes in your neck may begin to swell, too, as the infection grows. A root canal is the easiest way to treat this issue, but we may need to remove the infected tooth or teeth if left unchecked completely.
Diseases That Can Cause Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can happen for a multitude of reasons outside of exposure to acidic and sugary treats. There are plenty of diseases that can infect your oral health and lead to tooth decay. As soon as you notice any sort of pain in your teeth when chewing or drinking, schedule a consultation with Twin Aspen Dental Center. We can create a personalized plan of attack to prevent further oral health issues. The following diagnoses and associated medication and make you more susceptible to tooth decay even though you may think they have nothing to do with that area of your body:
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Anemia
Tooth Decay Treatments Provided by Twin Aspen Dental Center
Based on the level of severity, we will recommend the following treatments:
Cavity Fillings: This allows us to remove the decay to reach a healthier level of tooth structure and then replace it with a natural-looking filler. This three-step process is performed in a single visit. We could complete this process for you on a lunch break and quickly get you back to the office.
Root Canals: If your tooth decay leads to an infection in the pulp, a root canal will be done to save the tooth and prevent extraction. A root canal is a procedure that should be performed by a specialist who has extensive training and the best equipment. We work closely with the most reputable endodontists in town to ensure a successful and positive experience with your root canal.
Extraction: If the tooth decay is too severe, we will extract the tooth. Having it removed will prevent your other teeth and gums from suffering any further injury. You will be properly numbed for the process but can easily return to work.
Replacement Options: Having to remove your teeth can be a difficult decision, but it may be necessary if tooth decay goes unchecked. We have excellent solutions to help replace the missing teeth in your smile. You can use partial or full dentures, implants, or bridges.
Reach Out to Twin Aspen Dental Center Today for More Info
If you have questions about the connection between your oral health and certain conditions, contact us today. Our team of dental professionals can provide you the answers and solutions you need to safeguard your smile