If you are living with the discomfort of tooth decay, Tooth Spa is a dental practice dedicated to providing quality dental care in Sunnyvale, CA. Our comfortable setting and team of dental professionals will make you feel at home while we navigate you through the process of determining which treatment plan best suits your needs.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay starts when acids in your mouth go unchecked. The acid itself is a byproduct of bacteria as it feeds off of sugars and starches left in your mouth from eating and drinking. The bacteria are produced by plaque that has formed on the teeth’s surface. Eventually, these acids eat through the protective layer of enamel and create a cavity.
Our teeth are made of three distinct layers, and the deeper the decay reaches, the worse the cavity and damage to your tooth. Everyone is susceptible to plaque, which means tooth decay can happen to anyone if preventative care is left undone.
Can I Prevent Tooth Decay?
The first step to prevention starts at home with a regular schedule for flossing and brushing. Proper oral hygiene helps reduce the plaque build-up, and it also removes the sugars and starches that feed the acid-producing bacteria. The use of fluoride-based products, such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, is helpful for rebuilding the teeth’s enamel through a process called remineralization. It is also important to visit a dentist twice a year in order to get a proper cleaning and uncover any problem areas before they become serious issues.
How Do You Treat Tooth Decay?
Depending on the severity of your decay, there are a few options for getting your oral health back on track. If the cavity is small, our dental team will clean out the decayed portion and fill the space with a material such as porcelain or composite resin.
A crown is used to cap or surround a tooth when a cavity is large enough to compromise the entire tooth. Root canals are an effective treatment for decay that has reached the pulp – or center of the tooth and has left your tooth vulnerable and possibly infected.
Restore Your Teeth Today
Call Tooth Spa in Sunnyvale today to set up your initial appointment. Our friendly dental team will help walk you through everything involved in preventing and treating tooth decay. We look forward to answering any questions you may have.