When your teeth are painful, you reach out to your Fallbrook dentist, hoping for relief. Traditionally, that could mean identifying the areas of tooth decay and preparing for a filling. However, new technology is giving dentists more tools to treat tooth decay.
With that in mind, let’s discuss what can contribute to tooth decay and how to use that information to prevent tooth decay at home.
Common Risk Factors for Cavities
Cavities are the natural result of tooth decay that has progressed over time. Several risk factors that can increase your chances of tooth decay include:
- Dry mouth or medical conditions that reduce saliva
- Eating candy and sticky foods that cling to your teeth
- Frequent snacking on sugary foods
- Heartburn due to the acid
- Improper cleaning of your teeth
- Not getting enough Vitamin D
While you can change your daily routine and eating habits to minimize tooth decay, the reality is that once it begins, you will need to have your teeth repaired by a Fallbrook dentist using a tooth decay treatment.
Remineralizing Weakened Areas of Teeth
One of the ways that dentists try to address early signs of tooth decay is through fluoride, which can remineralize your teeth and harden spots that might have begun to weaken or get soft before a cavity develops. They recommend this tooth decay treatment as part of your regular cleaning.
New technology has amplified the impact of fluoride with silver diamine fluoride, which has been approved for use in the United States. It can be brushed onto areas where your teeth are soft and spongy, indicating tooth decay, and this liquid hardens that area, essentially giving it back the firmness that was there before tooth decay weakened the enamel.
Silver diamine fluoride contains 25% silver, 8% ammonia, 5% fluoride, and 62% water. It also has antibacterial effects, while the fluoride itself remineralizes the tooth. This liquid can be applied on all tooth surfaces, even near the gum line, where receding gums can expose the roots of the teeth.
Applying it does not require a drill or numbing, making it easy to use with children and anyone who hates drilling or shots. Plus, this is cost-effective since it is approximately 1/10th of the cost of a filling. A bonus is that it helps to address sensitivity since the spot where decay began will no longer be sensitive to cold, sweet, or crunchy foods.
There is a downside: it leaves the treated area a dark color, making it problematic for front teeth but an acceptable option for treating less visible teeth. Pediatric dentists are more aware of this treatment, but its use continues to grow. Your Fallbrook dentist can help you determine if this is a good option but will also point out if a tooth needs a filling because the decay has progressed too far.
Fallbrook dentists continue looking for new ways to implement technology in your treatment process, making it easier and affordable to visit your dentist regularly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to evaluate your teeth and determine your options.
Gernot Winkler, D.D.S., is dedicated to serving clients with general and family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Located in Fallbrook, Dr. Winkler sees patients throughout San Diego County, including neighboring cities such as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and Temecula.