With the advancement of modern dental treatments and technology, even the most destructive dental health issues can often be prevented or stopped in their tracks, before they cause extensive tooth damage. For instance, cavities are the most common dental issue, and when left untreated, they can lead to severe infection throughout your tooth’s structure. Fortunately, cavities can also be easily prevented or treated in their early stages, making them significantly less of a threat to your dental health than they have to be.
A Closer Look at Tooth Decay
Cavities are a result of progressive tooth decay, which is a bacterial infection in your natural tooth structure. Decay begins as oral bacteria produce harmful acids that erode your protective tooth enamel. The cavity forms and continues to grow as oral bacteria make contact with your more vulnerable tooth structure. Preventing cavities can be as simple as preventing oral bacteria from eroding your tooth enamel by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once, and attending regular checkups and cleanings.
Why People Still Get Cavities
Because cavity prevention is so simple, it may seem perplexing that they’re still so prevalent. The truth is, it’s common to miss a spot of plaque here and there, and lingering plaque can quickly calcify into tartar. Only your dentist or hygienist can effectively remove tartar, and if you skip an appointment, then you can give oral bacteria more time to infect your tooth and cause a cavity. The good news is that, if prevention fails, then you can still stop a cavity from growing worse by treating it early, preferably with a tooth-colored filling.
Find Out if a Filling Can Treat Your Cavity
Cavities are common, but when one strikes, you have a good chance of treating it effectively and discreetly with a custom, tooth-colored filling. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849. We proudly welcome patients and families from Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, Cypress, Sealy, Columbus, and all surrounding communities.
