Do you think a general dentist only performs dental procedures? While general dentists do perform many types of restorative and cosmetic dental procedures, they also place a large focus on educating their patients. Patient education is essential, as this allows patients to understand what they can and/or need to do in order to experience good dental health.
Want to be educated by your general dentist? Caring dentists teach and inform their patients on certain dental processes that support healthy teeth and gums. If patients have questions, they should feel comfortable asking their dentist, as there is no one better to get dental-related information. Common topics that dentists educate their patients on include how to properly brush and floss, how to care for certain dental restorations, what foods to eat and avoid and how to prevent cavities from forming.
The information below is from a general dentist on the topic of how cavities form.
The first stage of cavity formation is seeing white or brown spots on the tooth, as this tends to be the earlier signs of tooth decay, a.ka. cavities. It is possible to avoid an actual cavity by brushing the teeth two to three times a day and flossing one to two times a day during this first stage, which can prevent any stage-one spots from moving on to the second stage.
The second stage of when cavities form means that the spots of minor decay have now gone into the tooth’s enamel. This surface layer of a tooth is very hard, as it is meant to protect the tooth from any type of injury, including decay. Even so, neglecting to care for one’s teeth means that decay can indeed break through this hard layer, leading to a more severe cavity.
The third stage is when the decay begins to enter the soft layers of the tooth. This third stage means the decay is now destroying the inside of the tooth’s structure, which tends to happen quickly because it is easier for decay to destroy the softer layers vs. the hard enamel layer.
The fourth and final stage of cavity formation means that the decay is going to cause tooth loss if the tooth is not treated by a dental professional. Cavities need to be filled, or they will only continue to get worse, which can lead to other tooth problems. Since cavities are caused by decay, it is possible for this decay to spread to the rest of one’s teeth, which is something to avoid.
Helpful tips dental patients can follow in order to avoid getting diagnosed with one or more cavities include avoiding consuming any sugary foods or drinks, using a quality toothpaste that includes fluoride, brushing teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and making regular dental appointments with a caring general dentist.
Need a general dentist? General dentists are the type of dentist everyone needs, as they are your primary care dental provider. Just like your primary care doctor, you also need to find a dentist who can provide you with the regular and optimal dental services that you need to experience a healthy mouth. If you have any questions for us or are ready to make an appointment, we hope to hear from you today.
Request an appointment here: https://babylonsmiles.com or call Edward Zeva D.M.D. at (631) 773-1094 for an appointment in our Babylon office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
You should not book a dental check-up only when there is an oral issue that requires treatment. Many people believe that brushing their teeth and flossing should be enough to keep their teeth in good condition. However, simply brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth free of debris that may cause issues…
The purpose of a dental check-up goes further than merely getting your teeth cleaned. It is also an opportunity for a dentist to evaluate the patient's mouth and come up with a treatment plan for any issues that may not be known by the patient. Regular visits to the dentist's clinic are an integral part…
If you want strong and healthy teeth, visit our Babylon dentist office. We have a variety of ways to improve your oral health including cleaning your teeth on a regular basis and using fluoride to strengthen them. We especially recommend fluoride treatments for children and teens, preferring to treat their teeth at least once per…
If you have sensitive teeth, you need a Dental Check Up to find out what is causing your pain. As a local dentist, we treat patients that deal with this issue. Sensitive teeth are common and as people age, even more so. Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons including a lack of…
Preventive dentists will do a comprehensive examination of the patient's mouth to spot issues early.
Tooth-colored fillings can support your dental makeover and give you the confidence you need to…
Professional teeth cleanings get rid of tartar deposits on tooth surfaces, which protects against gum…
A family dentist treats patients of a wide range of ages, helping them to maintain…
Regular general dentistry visits are necessary for a number of reasons, however, it ultimately comes…
Considering replacing your silver fillings? Learn more in this article as we go over a…