Cavities and Tooth Decay

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is caused by a variety of things; in medical terms, cavities are called caries, which are caused by long-term destructive forces acting on tooth structures such as enamel and the tooth's inner dentin material.

These destructive forces include frequent exposure to foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates. Soda, candy, ice cream—even milk—are common culprits.  Left inside your mouth from non-brushing and flossing, these materials break down quickly, allowing bacteria to do their dirty work in the form of a harmful, colorless sticky substance called plaque.

The plaque works in concert with leftover food particles in your mouth to form harmful acids that destroy enamel and other tooth structures.

If cavities aren't treated early enough, they can lead to more serious problems requiring treatments such as root canal therapy.

Preventing Cavities

The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene, including brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Your body's own saliva is also an excellent cavity fighter, because it contains special chemicals that rinse away many harmful materials. Chewing a good sugarless gum will stimulate saliva production between brushing.

Special sealants and varnishes can also be applied to stave off cavities from forming.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have a cavity:

  • Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold water or foods.
  • A localized pain in your tooth or near the gum line.
  • Teeth that change color.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby's mouth.

If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby's future primary teeth, which can later hamper the proper formation of permanent teeth.

One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is to not allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep. Encouraging your toddler to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help stave off the problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

    Choosing a new dentist is a fretful thing for most of us, but if you choose Dr. Park it will be your lucky day! Dr. Park and his entire staff are not only extremely knowledgable, professional and meticulous, they are also sincerely kind and caring folks. They explain procedures as well as various options one might have, both immediate and long term; that goes a long way to reducing one's anxiety. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Park to anyone seeking the absolute best in dental care!

    - Mindy L.

    Amazing dentistry services! Dr. Young Park is the most gentle dentist I've ever had! I've been going there for about 3 years now. He takes really good care of his patients so its totally worth the 40 minute drive one way!

    - Belle. B

    Dr. Park did an implant for me. Although this was a long process, they made this a comfortable experience. The staff is great to work with. I love Karen, Cindy, and Nikki. I have always had a fear of DDS, they make my visit comfortable. Thank you for all you do!

    - Sherri D.