What are the main causes of adult tooth decay and loss?
Tooth decay is a common health problem. While it’s more common in young children and seniors, all adults are at risk of infections and even tooth loss should harmful tooth decay and cavities be left untreated.
The best way to maintain great oral health and minimise the risk of adult tooth decay is through education and regular professional checkups.
Learning to take care of your teeth with correct brushing and flossing goes a long way, and consistent appointments for general dentistry in Innaloo with Allied Dental ensure cavities are treated quickly and effectively; read on to learn more.
Signs of tooth decay
Cavities are another name for tooth decay and are essentially tiny holes resulting from permanent damage caused by bacteria build-up. Oftentimes it can be difficult to tell if tooth decay is forming, making it imperative to have regular appointments for general dentistry in Southern River in the form of dental cleans and checkups to ensure all is well.
Depending on your existing level of oral health, location, and extent of the damage, different symptoms of cavities may be felt. Be sure to visit a reliable periodontist in Innaloo should you experience any of the following:
- Pain, especially spontaneous pain
- Pain when biting down
- Toothaches
- Severe tooth sensitivity
- Pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet food or drink items
- Staining on the tooth’s surface
- Visible pits or holes on teeth
Common causes of adult tooth loss
Tooth decay typically occurs over time, resulting in damaging irreversible cavities. The process involves plaque building up from bacteria that becomes hard to remove, before plaque acid damages the tooth’s enamel and dentin layers that causes sensitivity before eventually reaching irritating the nerves inside the tooth causing pain and discomfort.
While it takes a professional periodontist in Southern River to diagnose the root of your oral health issues, the many causes of adult tooth decay and tooth loss include;
- A poor diet high in sugar, dairy and cereals
- Regular sipping or snacking on sugary snacks and drinks
- Not getting enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay
- Insufficient brushing and flossing
- Back teeth not receiving a proper clean to remove food particles
- Weakened dental fillings or devices that enable plaque build-up
- Heartburn (gastric reflux), and dry mouth
- Eating disorders that interfere with saliva production
When to visit a periodontist in Innaloo or Southern River
While a slight feeling of oral sensitivity may not feel like a big deal, it can be a sign of a deeper issue. Once you experience any of the symptoms detailed above it’s important to book an appointment for general dentistry in Southern River for a thorough examination and effective treatment for developing cavities.
Failure to tackle tooth decay promptly can have harmful complications, including pain, sensitivity, tooth abscesses, swelling, broken teeth, issues chewing, weight loss, teeth moving, and even tooth loss.
Professional general dentistry in Innaloo with Allied Dental
Organising regular checkups and cleans with experts at general dentistry in Innaloo and Southern River at Allied Dental is the best way to minimise the risk of adult tooth decay and prevent long-term damage.
Get in touch today to book an appointment with a professional periodontist in Southern River or Innaloo, or to discuss which services for general dentistry in Southern River and Innaloo are right for you.
