Tooth decay - The Basics - Palisades Dental

Tooth decay – The Basics

Feb
16
2021
Learn everything you need to know about tooth decay with Palisades Dental.
Tooth decay – The Basics
Learn everything you need to know about tooth decay with Palisades Dental.

What does a general dentist do? What are general dentistry services? Why do I need general dentistry? Just some of the questions we’ll share in just a minute!

Thank you for visiting our blog section! Our name is Palisades Dental and we are so proud to help you find answers to all of the questions you have about tooth decay today! If you ever are looking for general dentistry services anywhere near the American Fork, UT area (our office is just across from Hindley Park), please feel free to call our office at (801) 734-9223!

Next up, our Tooth decay – FAQs section.

Tooth decay – FAQs

 

What is Tooth Decay?

Also known as dental caries or cavities, tooth decay is the breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria. The cavities may be a number of different colors from yellow to black. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty with eating. Complications may include inflammation of the tissue around the tooth, tooth loss, and infection or abscess formation.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_decay)

 

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing your teeth regularly allows plaque to build up and attack the tooth enamel.

Plaque Formation:  When not removed on regular basis, plaque adheres to your teeth and builds up over time. In the presence of sugar, plaque produces acid which attacks the enamel of your tooth and eventually can cause holes in your teeth, otherwise known as cavities.

Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash plaque from the teeth and buffer the acid. If you have a dry mouth with very little saliva, plaque and tooth bacteria may build up more quickly.

(Source: crest.com)

 

What are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay?

A tooth weakened by extensive internal decay can sometimes suddenly fracture under normal chewing forces. When the decay has progressed enough to allow the bacteria to overwhelm the pulp tissue in the center of the tooth, a toothache can result and the pain will become more constant. Death of the pulp tissue and infection are common consequences. The tooth will no longer be sensitive to hot or cold, but can be very tender to pressure. Dental caries can also cause bad breath and foul tastes. In highly progressed cases, an infection can spread from the tooth to the surrounding soft tissues. Complications such as cavernous sinus thrombosis and Ludwig angina can be life-threatening.

(Source: en.wikipedia.org)

 

Speak with the top-rated general dentist in American Fork, UT now!

Look at that! You knew about tooth decay all along! And as you saw, general dentistry usually is in reference to a lot of the common dental procedures you receive from a typical visit with your dentist. Whether it is X-rays, teeth polishing, or a general check-up, general dentistry is the term that encompasses all of it.

If you could use the best general dentistry services in American Fork, UT, or any of the nearby towns like Lehi, Highland, Cedar Hills, Pleasant Grove, Vineyard, and Orem, UT, give us a call now at (801) 734-9223 to set up an appointment.

Come back later!