What is Tooth Decay?
Plaque is an insidious substance—a colorless, sticky film—that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.
Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.
Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.
Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay. It can also cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed. Over time, the plaque underneath your gums may cause periodontal disease, which can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.
Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or dentin. It can also destroy the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues, as well as the root.
Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious condition occurs when the structures that support your teeth—the gums and bone—break down from the infection. Pain, hypersensitivity and bleeding are some of the signs of periodontal disease.
Simple Preventative Measures
The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public drinking water contains fluoride, but if you are unsure of your water supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.
A good way to help your oral health between brushing is chewing sugarless gum; this stimulates your body’s production of saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from your mouth.
In some cases, our office can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.
Leave a Reply
At Twin Oaks Dental, we're not just your average dental office – we're a holistic wellness experience. We firmly believe that your oral health is intimately connected to your overall well-being, and we're on a mission to empower you to live your best, healthiest life.
Our team at Twin Oaks Dental is more than just skilled professionals; we are passionate individuals who strive for excellence in the field of dentistry. Every member of our team maintains the highest levels of accreditation and is committed to ongoing education, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the latest advancements in dental care.
Innovation is a core value of our practice, and we live this value through the continuing education our staff receives along with the leading technology our industry has to offer.
So, if you're seeking more than just a dental appointment, but a transformative wellness experience, Twin Oaks Dental is the place for you.
MORE ABOUT OUR PRACTICE AND TEAM
What Sets twin oaks apart
Systemic Health Screening Built Into Every Visit
We routinely assess for oral signs connected to cardiovascular risk, diabetes, sleep apnea, and inflammatory disease. Early detection at the dental chair can be genuinely life-changing — and we take that responsibility seriously.
Biocompatible, Conservative Care
We are a mercury-free, metal-free practice. We use materials chosen for safety and long-term compatibility with your body, and we follow established safe amalgam removal protocols. Every treatment recommendation is grounded in what's best for your health — we never recommend what isn't necessary.
Advanced Technology for Precise, Comfortable Treatment
From Guided Biofilm Therapy — a precision hygiene system that replaces uncomfortable scraping — to digital low-radiation imaging and same-day treatment options, our technology is chosen to make your care more accurate, more efficient, and significantly more comfortable.
Collaborative Care with Your Health Team
We believe your dentist should be part of your broader healthcare picture. We are building collaborative relationships with physicians, sleep specialists, and other providers in the north metro so that when we identify something beyond our scope, you have a clear path forward. If you have an existing physician or specialist, we welcome the opportunity to coordinate care.
Comfort-Focused, Judgment-Free Environment
We've partnered with Twin Anesthesia to offer professionally administered sedation for patients who need extra support. Beyond sedation, our entire approach is built around clear communication, paced appointments, and a team that genuinely listens. Dental anxiety is common and completely valid — we meet you where you are.
Wellness Services That Complement Your Care
Twin Oaks extends beyond dentistry into esthetic and wellness services — including skincare treatments and IV therapy — reflecting our commitment to supporting your health in every dimension. Our RepeatMD membership gives patients streamlined access to the full scope of our services with built-in rewards and savings.
Be the first to comment