When you have tooth decay, this could cause painful symptoms and even lead to infections that threaten smile stability. But even if the outer enamel experiences the earliest stages of erosion, we can intervene to stop the weakened enamel from becoming a cavity. In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist talks about Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF).
The Causes and Warning Signs of Cavities
Tooth decay occurs when the protective layer of tooth enamel is weakened, exposing the sensitive inner dentin to harmful oral bacteria. This could happen due to plaque and tartar buildup, caused by poor oral hygiene habits and a diet high in sugar, which weakens and erodes the enamel. Injury to the teeth through an accident or teeth grinding could be a factor too. When cavities form, you could notice tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a toothache that grows in severity and doesn’t subside after a day or two. At this stage, the risk of infection is much higher, so you should see a dentist right away! But better yet, you should see us every six months, so when we catch cavities in the earliest stages of development, we can halt the process with SDF.
Intervention with SDF
SDF is a unique material that can coat the weakened portions of enamel with. At this stage, the cavity is soon to form but hasn’t yet. The material then strengthens this area and prevents cavities from forming there. For kids and adults alike, this can prevent the need for a filling or crown down with road. The placement only takes a few seconds, and you just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes. The demineralized areas of the enamel don’t degrade further, and you also experience a drop in discomfort.
Further Preventive Actions
Along with SDF, you can also take other actions to prevent the onset of cavities. For example, seeing us every six months is a chance for our team to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth, and polish them, limiting the risk of not only cavities, but gingivitis and gum disease too. We can discuss better at-home brushing and flossing habits, and discuss better snack and drink options to help lower the risk of tooth decay. With the right care, you can avoid cavers and keep your smile strong for years to come!
If you have any questions about the SDF application process, or about fillings or cavity prevention then contact our team today to learn more. We would love to help you start your summer with a strong and healthy smile, so you can smile with confidence during your summer vacation!
Schedule a Visit to Stop Tooth Decay
If you want to keep your smile free of tooth decay, or would like to schedule an appointment, call Celina Family Dentistry in Celina, TX at (214) 851-0130.
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