Tooth Decay is the 2nd Most Common Health Problem

Tooth decay is one of the biggest health problems in the United States. Known medically as dental caries, and commonly as dental cavities, tooth decay is second only to the common cold. The CDC has estimated that 90% of the people in the US have had at least one cavity. While tooth decay is almost as common as a cold, there are groups that are more prone to getting it:

• Senior citizens and children.
• People who have already had many fillings and crowns, since their teeth are already vulnerable.
• People who have a diet high in starchy or sugary foods since these help grow the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel.
• People who live in an area that does not have fluoridated water; fluoridated water helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel.

Tooth decay can develop at any rate: your Phoenix dentist may be able to catch it before you even know there’s a problem. It occurs because bacteria turn sugars into lactic acid that builds up on the tooth surface. This can dissolve the enamel creating the tooth decay.

Once you have tooth decay, you need to see your Phoenix dentist. If caught early enough, it can be treated by your Phoenix dentist easily by removing all of the decayed surface and then filling it in with either silver amalgam or a composite resin (these are the most common choices). If tooth decay is left untreated for too long, you may need a root canal or another solution.

The best thing to do is to prevent tooth decay. Good dental care is about prevention, not treatment. Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, using fluoride and sealants, maintaining a good diet, and seeing your Phoenix dentist every six months.