What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay or cavity formation occurs when a tooth is attacked by bacteria present in the dental plaque. The acid attack by bacteria results in the softening of your tooth structure, which leads to more serious dental problems, and this needs immediate attention. Tooth decay is a very common dental problem and mostly occurs due to a lack of oral health maintenance. It can be readily identified with the naked eye as brown or blackish spots which can progress to larger cavities if left untreated.
Dentists usually identify tooth decay on a routine dental checkup and may advise treatment to prevent the disease from progressing. This highlights the need for and importance of routine dental checkups. Furthermore, if the decay is advanced, your dentist may suggest you get your tooth radiograph (x-ray) done to find out how much tooth decay has progressed.
In this post, we’ll share with you some expert tips and tricks on how to prevent tooth decay. Before proceeding to prevention, we must understand:
What causes tooth decay?
As discussed earlier plaque contains acids secreted by bacteria that destroy the outer layer of your teeth called enamel, eventually make way inwards into the pulp, and then the blood vessels at that point you feel immense pain and tooth decay becomes extremely severe.
There are many other reasons for tooth decay, such as:
Common signs and symptoms of the tooth decay are:
What will happen if tooth decay is left untreated?
Most people don’t give much importance to tooth decay as initially, it is painless. Even if they notice their teeth are getting decayed, they continue to ignore it. However, this is where the problem arises. Because they do not get timely treatment, the decay tends to progress leading to more serious dental complications such as:
How can I prevent tooth decay?
If you practice good oral and dental hygiene and routinely visit the dentist, then it could help you avoid tooth decay. The following are simple tips to prevent tooth decay and improve your overall oral health:
Regular dental checkups – Key to Success!
Sometimes even if you keep good oral hygiene, you may not be aware that tooth decay has already been begun. That’s why it’s extremely important to have regular dental checkups & make sure you do not miss any appointments. Remember tooth decay is much easier and cheaper to treat in its initial stage.
Schedule your appointment online!
If you are experiencing pain or think you might have a tooth decay. Please do not hesitate to call us today at 713-330-7700 or visit one of our offices.
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Dr. Bollman graduated in 2003 from the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, TX. She has been practicing for 17 years. She enjoys playing video games, fishing and spending quality time with her 2 children[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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It’s important that each patient enjoys their dental visit, and that we carefully listen to their concerns in terms they’ll understand.
Dr. Stewart has practiced dentistry for 25 years!
She’s been with Royal Dental for 5 years!
We’re successful thanks to teammates like Nancy![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Andress has been a Dentist for 37 years!
He’s been with Royal Dental for 8 years!
He is a 1982 Graduate of University of Texas Dental School San Antonio
Hobbies include hunting, vacationing and visiting the beach[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Shokralla was born and raised in Cario Egypt. After graduating from Dental school from Ain Shams University iSchool of Dentistry in 2011, he did a general dentistry internship and he worked in a private Office in Cario. In 2013, Dr Shokralla moved to the United States seeking a new journey. He joined Boston University of Dentistry for advanced Standing Program graduated in 2017 with high honors. during his program at Boston, He served also as a teaching assistant in the removable Prosthodontics Department. Once his studies were completed in Boston he moved to Houston Texas to enjoy the warm Winters and people. Dr. Shokralla is a member of the ADA and he is active with CE Implant Courses.
Besides his passion about dentistry , he loves to work out play tennis and soccer, serve kids in his local Sunday School.
“Learn from yesterday ,live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning” Albert Einstein
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Bryan Boshart DDS MS is a 1985 graduate of UT Dental School and in 1986 at U Of Maryland College of Dental Surgery, earned a Certificate Of Advanced General Dentistry. In 1989 at the University Of Oklahoma College Master Of Science he earned his Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics. For 20 years he was a Director of Orthodontics at Texas Children’s Hospital. His hobbies include gardening and juggling![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Harris Graduated in 1986 from the UT Health Science Center, San Antonio. He has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years, and in his time off enjoys Motor Cross, Rugby, distance running, fishing and hunting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Bhakti graduated in 2000 from University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and has been practicing for 20 years. He enjoys Hikaru and Dorodango[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Rassner graduated from University of Texas Health Science Center Houston in 1972 and has been practicing for 48 years! In his free time he enjoys playing golf and watching baseball.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Mughni attended the Baqai Dental College in 2003 and 2004 and graduated from the University of California San Francisco in 2013. He has been practicing dentistry for 16 years. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and reading.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]