Adult Tooth Decay

Adult Tooth Decay - An Alert to our Dentistry Patients in Sun Prairie and Madison. Cavities Aren't Just for Kids!

We all hate to hear that our dentist has found new cavities since our last visit. Even worse, some cavities create pain that we can do little to relieve. Cavities are areas of decay on teeth, and they can form on any surface of a tooth. To repair a cavity, the decay must be removed and replaced with a man made substance. How can you deter decay to avoid negative reports from your dentist and avoid nagging oral pain? First, you must understand what causes tooth decay.

The Cause

A healthy mouth contains natural, good bacteria that neutralize acids and helps to clean up food particles. This bacteria and your saliva also help strengthen areas of demineralization on teeth by restoring the minerals that protect teeth from decay.

Sometimes plaque can throw a healthy mouth's homeostasis into chaos. Made from mucus, saliva, decaying food, and bad bacteria, plaque is a sticky substance that can build up on your teeth. Harmful bacteria in plaque emit an acid that eats away tooth enamel to create cavities. This acid can eat into the tooth, through the enamel, and through the dentin to cause pain where nerves and blood vessels are vulnerable. Often a cavity that grows to affect the dentin must be corrected with procedures like a root canal or extraction. In short, tooth decay can kill your teeth.

The Cure

To prevent tooth decay, see your dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning and oral examination. At home, you should brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after each meal and floss daily. Mouthwashes and fluoride rinses can help destroy harmful bacteria and re-mineralize teeth. Of course, staying away from foods high in sugars and starches will help since bad bacteria consider these types of foods a delicacy.

If you have small cavities, get them filled as soon as possible, before they grow and cause extensive damage and pain. Professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also help deter tooth decay. Some patients have more problems with plaque than others. We'll gladly help you understand the particularities of your mouth and recommend ways to prevent bacteria and tooth decay.

Dr. Lotowski's Commitment to Oral Health

Dr. Lotowski is dedicated to improving the oral health of all of his Sun Prairie / Madison area patients. His knowledge and cutting edge dental technology means all of his cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry patients receive the highest quality of dental care.

No matter what your situation is, we are here to help. Contact Us or  call us at 608-834-6321. Wisconsin Dental Solutions provides "Dental Solutions for Extraordinary Needs."

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Wisconsin Dental Solutions Hours

Holiday Break 12/21/22 - 01/02/23

Monday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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