Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Round Tooth Logo

(512) 835-5780

Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Dentist
    • Meet the Staff
    • New Patient Special
  • Services
    • Dental Examinations
    • Digtal X-Rays
    • Gum Disease
    • Root Canals
    • Crowns/ Bridges
    • Fillings
    • Dentures/ Partials
    • Implants
  • Smile Gallery
    • Testimonials
  • Insurance
  • Make an Appointment
    • Request Appointment
    • New Patient Forms
  • Contact Us
  • Patient Education
    • Dental Education Library
      • Oral Health Topics
      • Tooth Care
      • Dental Problems
      • Treatment
        • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Pain Management
      • Patient Information
      • Product Reviews
      • Glossary
      • Links
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Tooth Care >
  • What is Tooth Decay?

What is Tooth Decay?

  • Created in Tooth Care

Plaque is an insidious substance—a colorless, sticky film—that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.

Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.

Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay.  It can also cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed. Over time, the plaque underneath your gums may cause periodontal disease, which can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or dentin.  It can also destroy the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues, as well as the root. 

Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious condition occurs when the structures that support your teeth—the gums and bone—break down from the infection.  Pain, hypersensitivity and bleeding are some of the signs of periodontal disease.

Simple Preventative Measures

The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public drinking water contains fluoride, but if you are unsure of your water supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.

A good way to help your oral health between brushing is chewing sugarless gum; this stimulates your body's production of saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from your mouth.

In some cases, our office can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.

  • Dental Education Library
    • Oral Health Topics
    • Tooth Care
    • Dental Problems
    • Treatment
      • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Pain Management
    • Patient Information
    • Product Reviews
    • Glossary
    • Links
Read Our Reviews
Appointment Request
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Make an Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Learn More
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

    Learn More

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Primary Location

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Connect with us

Our Location

Find us on the map

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map