Tooth decay is a natural menace that affects all of us.  It is painful, infectious, and, in severe cases fatal.  It is hard to avoid, and devastating when it reaches us.  It is among the most common disorders, second only to the common cold.  It is created from the food and drinks people consume everyday.  The food or drink combines with the bacteria and saliva in mouth to create plaque.  This plaque is formed within twenty minutes of food intake and instantly attacks and destroys the enamel of the tooth causing tooth decay.  It is ugly and dangerous, but fortunately this devastating process can be treated and even prevented.

Treatment of tooth decay is easy and relatively painless.  Dentist treat tooth decay by one of three methods: fillings, crowns, or root canals. Dentist’s apply fillings by drilling out the existing decay material and filling the hole with a material such as silver, alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite.  A crown is used when the decay is very severe leaving limited tooth structure left.  Made of gold or porcelain, crowns are fitted over the damaged tooth.  A root canal, the most strenuous procedure, is used when the nerve in the tooth dies due to extreme decay or injury.  It is done by removing the very center of the tooth that includes the nerve and blood vessel tissue and filling it with a sealing material.  These may seem like excruciating procedures, but with the right dentist pain can be practically nonexistent.  This is why careful consideration of a dentist is crucial.  A good dentist can be found in the Milpitas dental community- a community of dentists that advertise for their accuracy and pain-free procedures.

Tooth decay treatment works quite efficiently, but it is always better to avoid the decay in the first place.  Prevention of tooth decay is best achieved by brushing your teeth at least two times a day, flossing at least once a day, and avoiding excessive sugars and starches.  It is crucial to visit the dentist every six or twelve moths for dental cleaning.  Visiting the dentist this often is a way to combat tooth decay while they are still small if any have formed.  It also offers a professional cleaning that completely removes plaque.  This is almost impossible to do on one’s own.  To schedule this necessary biannual checkup, please make an appointment with your Milpitas Dentist today.

Tooth decay is hostile and ubiquitous, but it can be treated and even prevented.  With great dentists and a full range of dental hygiene products, taking care of teeth has never been easier.  We must take advantage of it all and silence the threat and consequences of tooth decay once and for all.