Dental caries or cavities are common problems that affect people of all ages. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack and eat away at the outer layer (enamel) of the tooth. If left untreated, the decay can spread deeper into the tooth. As a result, this can cause dental concerns we see daily at Sweet Tooth Dentistry. Dr. Kevin Welinsky offers several treatments for tooth decay in Towson, MD.
Dr. Welinsky can spot signs of decay at regular visits. But cavities can worsen if you don’t visit our office often or neglect your oral health. We provide root canal therapy and tooth fillings to preserve your teeth. Dr. Welinsky can also recommend pain-free dental extractions if you have a severe tooth infection.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Several factors can cause tooth decay:
- Poor dental hygiene: One of the biggest causes is not taking proper care of your teeth. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque builds up and creates the perfect environment for decay to start.
- Diet: What you eat and drink plays a major role too. Consuming lots of sugary snacks, sodas, or acidic foods and beverages gives harmful bacteria exactly what they need to attack your tooth enamel. These bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that slowly eat away at your teeth.
- Dry mouth: Some people struggle with dry mouth, which means they don’t produce enough saliva. This is a problem because saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Without enough saliva, your teeth lose this natural protection.
- Certain medical conditions: Some health conditions and medications can also lead to tooth decay by reducing saliva flow. Even treatments like radiation therapy can affect your mouth’s ability to fight decay. Please let us know about your current medications or health so we can see if that’s causing your tooth infection.
Bacteria in the mouth thrive on food particles left on teeth and produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. Over time, the acid breaks down the enamel and creates a cavity.
Signs of Tooth Decay
Please contact our office if you notice these signs of infection:
- Sharp or throbbing tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Bad breath
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Swelling gums
Untreated tooth infections can become a dental abscess. This may lead to severe pain, pus, or even a fever. Contact us as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs. While a burst abscess can relieve your pain, it can also spread your infection throughout the body.
Tooth Decay Treatment in Towson, MD
We provide many treatment options for cavities and dental decay at Sweet Tooth Dentistry:
Filling
We can treat tooth decay in the early stages with a dental filling. Dr. Welinsky offers several types tooth filling materials to fill in the cavity. Traditional metal fillings are strong, but we will recommend a tooth-colored filling because it blends in with the tooth.
A dental filling is a simple procedure that Dr. Welinsky can complete in just one visit. The material will restore the shape and function of the tooth and prevent further decay.
Root Canal
If the decay damages the tooth significantly and an infection develops, Dr. Welinsky must perform a root canal. During this procedure, he will remove the infected tissue. Then he will fill the tooth canal with a sealing material.
In most cases, he will recommend a dental crown to cover the tooth after treatment. This will protect the tooth and restore its function.
Tooth Extraction
Dr. Welsinky may need to perform a tooth extraction for the most extreme cases of teeth decay. While he will do everything he can to save your tooth, severe cases of tooth decay can make a tooth too damaged to save.
An untreated severely decayed tooth can also lead to pain, infection, and even affect nearby healthy teeth. The good news is that tooth extraction is a routine procedure. Dr. Welinsky will perform a comfortable tooth extraction. Then, he will discuss replacement options to restore your smile.
A single implant-supported crown is the best option if we need to remove a tooth. We can also provide implant-supported bridges or dentures if you have multiple lost teeth.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
The good thing about tooth decay is that it is easily preventable. To prevent tooth decay, we recommend that you incorporate the following habits into your life:
- Brush your teeth every day: Brushing your teeth is a major part of maintaining good oral health and avoiding cavities. You should do it twice a day for about two minutes. Use toothpaste with fluoride because it strengthens the enamel and makes it more decay-resistant.
- Floss daily: You should floss before you brush every day. Flossing will remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. We also recommend that you floss before you brush because it can give the areas between your teeth extra protection against cavities.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks: Limit the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, such as candy, soda, and fruit juice. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterward. You can also use a straw to drink sugary or acidic drinks.
- Drink plenty of water: Water acts like nature’s mouthwash. Drinking water can rinse away leftover food and harmful bacteria. It also keeps your mouth from getting dry, since saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against decay.
- Chew sugar-free gum: If you chew gum, choose a sugar-free gum. The chewing action gets your saliva flowing, and that extra saliva helps cancel out harmful acids while washing away food bits and germs. Just look for gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to make sure it’s truly tooth-friendly.
- Visit Our Dentist: Regular dentist appointments will ensure you are in good oral health. They will also catch tooth decay in the early stages when treatment is more conservative. We recommend that you visit us twice a year for a checkup and teeth cleaning.
Treat a Tooth Cavity Today
If you suffer from tooth decay in Towson, MD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Welinsky today. After examining your tooth, he will determine the best treatment for restoring its function and oral health. Call us at 410-449-7656. You can also request an appointment with us online.