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Tooth Decay Becomes Visible If It Becomes Extensive |
Posted on 12/21/2020 by Water's Edge Dental |
If you let decayed teeth go, the decay begins to become visible after a while. That is why you need to treat small cavities as soon as they are diagnosed. The following information will explain why dental decay should be addressed immediately. The 5 Stages of Decay If decay is prevalent in the mouth, it can be easily noted and seen. In the first stages, you will not notice the decay, as it becomes progressive over time. In fact, a decaying tooth goes through 5 stages of decay. That is why you can easily see decay in the final stages. During the final stages, the teeth will exhibit brown, black, or gray areas. During the first stage, demineralization occurs, and the tooth will show a white spot. This spot appears as the result of mineral loss. When this happens, the enamel weakens and breaks down, which leads to the formation of a cavity. Next, if the cavity is left untreated, the decay spreads to the softer part of the tooth beneath the enamel. This is called the dentin. If it reaches this point, you may experience a good deal of sensitivity when you eat foods or drink beverages. After attacking the dentin, the decay moves onto the pulp, which typically requires root canal therapy. An abscess may form, full of pus, which needs to be drained. When Decay is Obvious While the first stage of decay (demineralization) is not noticeable and can be reversed, decay that is progressive is far more obvious. When the decay is left untreated, teeth, as noted, may take on a grayish hue or may show brown or black spots. Also, the breath can take on a foul odor because of gum swelling and the formation of pus. Not only is extensive decay noticeable visually, it also affects the patient's breath. Don't allow tooth decay to get out of hand. Call us for regular dental care and exams. You can contact us easily by phone or online with any dental questions or concerns.... Read more... |
Tooth Decay Becomes Visible If It Becomes Extensive |
Posted on 12/21/2020 by Water's Edge Dental |
If you let decayed teeth go, the decay begins to become visible after a while. That is why you need to treat small cavities as soon as they are diagnosed. The following information will explain why dental decay should be addressed immediately. The 5 Stages of Decay If decay is prevalent in the mouth, it can be easily noted and seen. In the first stages, you will not notice the decay, as it becomes progressive over time. In fact, a decaying tooth goes through 5 stages of decay. That is why you can easily see decay in the final stages. During the final stages, the teeth will exhibit brown, black, or gray areas. During the first stage, demineralization occurs, and the tooth will show a white spot. This spot appears as the result of mineral loss. When this happens, the enamel weakens and breaks down, which leads to the formation of a cavity. Next, if the cavity is left untreated, the decay spreads to the softer part of the tooth beneath the enamel. This is called the dentin. If it reaches this point, you may experience a good deal of sensitivity when you eat foods or drink beverages. After attacking the dentin, the decay moves onto the pulp, which typically requires root canal therapy. An abscess may form, full of pus, which needs to be drained. When Decay is Obvious While the first stage of decay (demineralization) is not noticeable and can be reversed, decay that is progressive is far more obvious. When the decay is left untreated, teeth, as noted, may take on a grayish hue or may show brown or black spots. Also, the breath can take on a foul odor because of gum swelling and the formation of pus. Not only is extensive decay noticeable visually, it also affects the patient's breath. Don't allow tooth decay to get out of hand. Call us for regular dental care and exams. You can contact us easily by phone or online with any dental questions or concerns.... Read more... |
Why Do Teeth Develop Sensitivity? |
Posted on 12/7/2020 by Water's Edge Dental |
Sensitivity to hot and cold, sweet and sour, or alcoholic foods and beverages is a discomfort that looms over many people. So, what causes this type of tooth sensitivity and is there anything that can be done to address this issue? Well, the answer is not always as simple as people would like, but the fact of the matter is that this problem can be caused by several things. Fortunately, though, it can be eliminated or significantly reduced by coming into our office and letting our expert staff identify the underlying reasons behind your sensitivity. Causes of Sensitive Teeth The most common causes of sensitive teeth are related to activities that reduce your enamel, which is the hard tissue that protects your teeth; just under your enamel is dentin, and nerves below the dentin, which send pain signals to the brain when they encounter relative extremes in temperature and acidity. Consumption of acidic foods and beverages (such as soda and sour candy), brushing your teeth with too much pressure and too stiff of a brush, and grinding your teeth are amongst the most common causes of enamel reduction that leads to sensitive teeth. Exposure due to gum recession, acid-wear due to Gastroesophageal reflux, and exposure of areas with little to no enamel due to cracked teeth or cavities are other causes of sensitivity. Treatments Prescription toothpastes and desensitizing agents are two common options that we have available for your overly sensitive teeth. Prescription toothpastes and desensitizing agents restore enamel thickness by diffusing ions (fluoride and calcium) into your enamel to grow the hydroxyapatite crystals that make-up your enamel. Call to schedule a diagnostic appointment with us so that we can properly access your cause(s) and provide you with the most appropriate treatment to get you pain-free as quickly as possible.... Read more... |