It is very common for people to ask questions like “how does tooth decay develop?” They ask because they brush their teeth and floss each day. Yet, their teeth are still yellowed, or they develop tooth pain. When this happens, it could indicate tooth decay. At Lovett Dental Humble, we will help you minimize the risks to your smile. Read on to learn about how tooth decay happens and what you can do to prevent it.
How Does Tooth Decay Develop?
Tooth decay happens over a period of time. The most common cause of tooth decay is bacteria. Everyone’s mouth has a significant number of bacteria present. However, when you are brushing, flossing, and using a mouth rinse regularly, the bacteria remains controlled by your body’s immune system. If your immune system is not able to cleanse the mouth regularly, bacteria build up in your mouth and could cause tooth decay to develop. How does tooth decay develop on the tooth? There are several steps that occur when this happens:
Plaque Develops
The initial stage involves the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky and clear film that coats the teeth. It often occurs as a result of eating highly sugary foods and poor oral health habits. As it remains on teeth, it hardens into tartar. To prevent plaque from developing, keep a healthy diet and stay on top of your oral health by scheduling regular cleanings with your dentist.
Plaque Damages the Tooth
The longer plaque remains on the tooth, the more minerals are removed from the teeth. These minerals help to keep the tooth strong and healthy. This is when cavities are most likely to develop. As the enamel (the hard outer shell) wears down, this allows bacteria and acid to further damage the teeth, including the dentin.
Tooth Decay Continues
As the outside of the tooth continues to break down, more of the sensitive material in the tooth – like nerves and tissues – become damaged. This leads to increased pain and, eventually, the destruction of the tooth. This is when tooth extraction procedures become necessary. If you are experiencing tooth decay, you will need professional dental services to help you with this issue. Contact Lovett Dental Humble and learn more about the services we offer.
What Can You Do to Prevent This?
There are many steps along the way that you can take to minimize the damage to your teeth and overall oral health. At Lovett Dental Humble, we encourage you to come in for an appointment at least one time every six months. We also offer other treatments that may help, including:
- Routine teeth cleaning helps to keep tartar and plaque low
- Dental fluoride treatments help to minimize bacteria
- Fillings and sealants help lock out the bacteria from creating cavities
- Root canal treatments become necessary if there are cavities present
- Advanced periodontics treatment can help treat gum disease that’s developed
In every situation, protecting your oral health is critical. You can do this by having proper x-rays and dental exams. The sooner we catch and treat the underlying cause of tooth decay, the more likely you are to maintain your healthy smile. Understanding how tooth decay develops can give you insight into why you need to seek treatment.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning at Lovett Dental Humble
Many people struggle with oral health. To protect your teeth and minimize decay, be sure to schedule an examination at Lovett Dental Humble. How does tooth decay develop when you are brushing every day? The most common answer to that question is because you are skipping dental cleanings. Avoid this issue by calling 281-441-9000 for an appointment.