Tooth Decay
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common health issues worldwide, but it’s also preventable. With proper oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental checkups, you can protect your smile and stop decay before it starts
Comprehensive Guidance On Preventing Tooth Decay and Its Causes
Before you start imagining the dentist trying to put something the size of a point-and-shoot camera in your mouth, you should know that dental intraoral cameras are very small. In fact, they’re only about the size of an extra-thick marker.
The reality is that many dental conditions don’t cause pain or visual signs that you can easily see with the naked eye. This sometimes makes it hard for patients to understand what the dentist is seeing, which leads to a certain diagnosis. Luckily, dental intraoral cameras are hooked up to a TV screen or computer monitor right next to the dental chair. That means the dentist can show you instantly what the camera sees. So, if you have swollen gums or a broken filling, you and the dentist can be on the same page about the problem, even if you aren’t feeling any discomfort from it.
Call +1 905-581-2228
9222 Keele Street, Suite 5 Vaughan, ON
Open Days
Monday – Saturday
What Is Tooth Decay?
Statistically speaking, tooth decay could be considered the second most common illness humans suffer from (number one is the common cold). If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain & more severe problems such as abscesses or systemic infections, not to mention tooth loss. Data indicates that almost every adult has had tooth decay at some point. Our goal is to reverse this trend, at the very least in our local community. Educating our patients about the causes of tooth decay & how to prevent it is how we hope to accomplish this.
One myth seems to have emerged from how we were taught about tooth decay & cavities as children: avoid sugar & you can avoid cavities. The reality is there is no single thing you can do to prevent tooth decay. Rather, preventing cavities is a collection of good habits, maintenance & professional attention. The steps for a decay-free smile, in no particular order, are a healthy diet, a thorough daily hygiene routine & seeing us regularly for teeth cleanings & checkups.
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy
If your mouth is in an ideal condition, your body’s own immune responses & mechanisms, such as healthy saliva that contains tooth-building minerals, repair damage & keep bad bacteria from getting out of control. The goal of preventing decay is to keep your mouth in this healthy, balanced condition at all times. If you brush & floss correctly, get enough fluoride, limit your consumption of acidic or sugary foods & visit the dentist regularly, this should be easy for you.
Causes of Tooth Decay
Just like other parts of your body, your mouth is populated by both good & bad bacteria. When you don’t care for yourself properly, you can end up creating an environment where the bad (i.e., pathogenic) bacteria get the upper hand. In particular, these bacteria thrive when there is plenty of sugar for them to consume, which they digest & excrete as acid. This acid is what damages your teeth, eating into your tooth enamel & the softer dentin layer underneath. Eating highly acidic foods (lemons, tomatoes, soft drinks, etc.) can also weaken & even wear away your teeth.
Guidance on Preventing Tooth Decay
However, some patients have a tougher time preventing tooth decay & we are happy to provide guidance on preventing tooth decay. If you’ve had a few run-ins with cavities, you may need a refresher course on your brushing or flossing techniques, which we’re happy to provide at your next visit. You can also boost the effectiveness of your at-home hygiene with special toothpastes, mouth rinses, toothbrushes or floss options. We’re happy to recommend these types of products if we think they will benefit you.
Nutritional counseling is another option to ensure decay-causing bacteria doesn’t get too much fuel. In children whose hygiene skills are still developing, sealing the deepest grooves on their back teeth can help prevent decay until they’re older & better at caring for their own teeth. Understanding the causes of tooth decay and following our guidance on preventing tooth decay can help maintain a healthy smile.
Call +1 905-553-0222
26 Wellington St E, Unit #110 Toronto, ON M5E 1S2
Open Days
Monday – Friday
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Preventing tooth decay isn’t about avoiding sugar alone—it’s about building healthy daily habits. Regular brushing, a nutritious diet, and professional dental care are the keys to maintaining a strong, cavity-free smile