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Tooth decay or cavities affect both adults and children. The good news is tooth decay is preventable. By following good dental hygiene and eating healthy food, tooth decay can be prevented. 

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Plaque is formed when leftover beverages or sugary foods combine with bacteria. When food is broken down by bacteria, it produces acid. This acid can cause tooth enamel to dissolve, resulting in tooth decay. 

Risk Factors for Cavities

Tooth decay, left untreated, can cause bacteria to enter the pulp. The bacteria can produce a dental abscess in the pulp, and the infection can move into the bone, resulting in life-threatening infections.

A tooth decay that is not treated can lead to pain, cause gum irritations, and even tooth loss. 

Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay

There are a number of factors that indicate the onset of tooth decay. A few red flags are as follows:

• Toothache: Tooth pain is one of the most common signs of tooth decay. You may feel discomfort when chewing your food
• Spots/holes on your tooth: High level of acids with plaque can cause tooth erosion and holes could form.
• Bad breath:Tooth decay can be caused by odor-protruding bacteria in the mouth. 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold: With tooth decay, the enamel erodes, exposing the teeth nerves. Food, whether hot or cold, can irritate these nerves, creating sensitivity.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Good dental hygiene is essential for preventing tooth decay. A few tips to prevent tooth decay are:

• Brush your teeth twice, at the beginning and end of the day.
• Brush the back teeth and clean your tongue surface to get rid of bacteria.
• Use mouthwash and floss after meals.
• Limit intake of sugary foods, alcohol, and sweetened beverages.
• Practice eating a healthy diet for good dental hygiene like green leafy vegetables.
• Stay hydrated with fluoridated water. Fluoridated water helps replace lost minerals due to tooth decay.
• Regularly visit your dentist for a tooth examination and opt for professional cleaning. 

Speak to Your Dentist

Visit Samir T. Ayoub Dental Corporation to understand more about tooth decay symptoms and how to prevent them. Our expert dentists can help treat cavities and help prevent further tooth decay. 

Remember it is easier to prevent tooth decay than repair tooth decay.  

For comprehensive dental care, visit Samir T. Ayoub Dental Corporation at 16505 Clark Ave, Bellflower, California 90706. Call us at (562) 925-2223 for appointments.