The truth is that the main secret to preventing or treating tooth decay is timing. The condition, which describes a progressive infection in your tooth structure, is caused by harmful oral bacteria – the building blocks of plaque and tartar. The more time they have to accumulate and attack your teeth, the more likely you are to develop tooth decay. By contrast, if you consistently keep your teeth clean with good hygiene and preventive care, then you can stop bacteria before they have time to decay your tooth.
How to Prevent the Threat
When it comes to your dental health, good timing typically comes in the form of consistency. Oral bacteria naturally inhabit your mouth and threaten your teeth every day. Therefore, good hygiene means cleaning them off of your teeth and gums every day, without fail. It also means visiting your dentist routinely for checkups and cleanings, during which your dentist can clean away calcified plaque that your toothbrush can’t remove.
How to Prevent It from Growing Worse
In many cases, good timing means not hesitating. For instance, if tooth decay develops, then you can avoid serious damage to your tooth by seeking treatment as soon as possible. In some cases, your dentist can even spot the earliest signs of decay, known as enamel erosion, and help you strengthen your enamel before decay has a chance to affect your main tooth structure.
Find Out How to Prevent or Treat Tooth Decay
As the most common chronic threat to your smile, tooth decay is something that everyone needs to prevent or treat for the good of their smiles. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your dentist by calling Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, at (724) 256-4612. Our Smile Certified experts happily serve patients from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.