Tooth decay is what happens when harmful bacteria in your mouth creates acid that eats away at a tooth. If not properly treated, tooth decay can cause pain, cavities, infection the loss of the tooth, and can contribute to cases gum disease.
Tooth decay originates with bacteria. Plaque, which is a clear substance that is always being formed on your teeth, contains bacteria from the Streptococcus family that feed on sugar from the food you eat. As this bacteria feed, they create the acid that can begin attacking the teeth as soon as 20 minutes after you eat. If plaque isn’t removed through proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, the acids can destroy the enamel on your teeth and cause tooth decay.
There are some things that can contribute to cases of gum disease, which include:
Dr. Jose Lopez provides top quality tooth decay treatment in Boulder, CO. The steps necessary all depends on how advanced the tooth decay is. The sooner it’s treated, the better off you and your tooth will be, so make your appointment to see Dr. Jose Lopez at JL Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today!
Prevention is a fundamental part of Dr. Lopez’s dental philosophy, so in addition to providing a remedy to existing tooth decay problems, he will also work with each patient on developing habits to avoid future instances of tooth decay or other oral hygiene issues. Dr. Lopez and everyone at JL Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is committed to giving you a healthy, pain-free smile you can be confident in.
