Everyone knows what a cavity is – and sadly most people have experienced one first hand. But there is a lot about tooth decay that people don’t know. For instance, we all recognize that sugar and poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities, but did you realize that there are other risk factors? And did you know that today’s restorative dentistry treatments are a vast improvement from older options?
At Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, we offer top-of-the-line treatments for tooth decay. We are also committed to patient education. We believe that, by keeping you informed about dental health, we can more effectively prevent damage to your teeth. And when you undergo treatment, we want you to feel informed and 100% confident about your care.
If you are suffering from tooth decay or you simply want to schedule an exam, contact our office today.
1. Tooth Decay Is Incredibly Common.
Cavities are nearly ubiquitous. According to recent data, almost 90% of American adults over age 20 have had at least one cavity. 26% of US adults currently have untreated tooth decay. As further cause for concern, the World Health Organization notes that tooth decay and gum disease affect more of the planet’s population than diabetes, heart disease, mental disorders, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease – combined!
2. Cavities Are Contagious.
It turns out that kissing could pass more than a cold. The oral bacteria responsible for cavities can also spread from person to person. Infants and small children are particularly susceptible to these bacteria. To avoid passing along your cavities, refrain from sharing utensils and drinking glasses with others, especially those who are more vulnerable.
3. Genetics Contribute to Tooth Decay.
Even if you practice near-perfect dental hygiene, you can still develop cavities. As it turns out, about 60% of our risk for cavities can be attributed to our genes. First, our genes partially determine our predilection for sweets. Second, genetics contributes to the consistency of our tooth enamel and how hard or soft it is. Genes also affect how well our bodies fight off infection and how effectively our salvia can combat bacteria.
4. Cavities Can Often Be Asymptomatic.
You might assume that if you don’t have any dental pain, you don’t have any cavities. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Tooth decay often doesn’t cause pain until the bacteria has reached the dental nerves and/or the tooth roots. At this point, a simple filling will not be enough to save the tooth, and most people will require root canal therapy.
In the early stages, a visual exam or x-rays are often the only ways to diagnose cavities. This is one reason that scheduling your routine dental visits is so vital.
5. Modern Treatments Offer Important Benefits.
If you ever received a filling in the past, you may have gotten a dark-colored metal restoration that eventually started to show through your tooth. At Metro Dental Care, we offer composite fillings instead. Naturally colored composite will never change the shade of your tooth. Plus, because it is mercury-free, it does not come with any of the health risks associated with silver amalgam fillings.
Suffering from Tooth Decay? Contact Us!
To learn more about cavities and our advanced treatments, or to schedule a visit, contact Metropolitan Dental Care today.
You can book an appointment online or call us at (303) 534-2626.
