Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the most common disease in the world. It is the principal cause of cavities and often drives people to visit their family dental clinic. Decay damages the structure of the tooth, and when left untreated, can lead to pain and tooth loss. In rare cases, it can also cause death if the infection reaches the brain.
Understanding Tooth Decay
To understand the process of tooth decay, it helps to be aware of the following parts of the mouth:
Tooth Enamel: It is the hardest substance in the human body and comprises the outer covering of the teeth, mainly composed of phosphate and calcium.
Dentin: It is the inner core of the teeth and has a similar composition to our bones.
Saliva: This is the fluid in our mouth that keeps it healthy by maintaining a neutral environment.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
We have many bacteria in our mouth, some of which can cause tooth decay. They attach themselves to the dental plaque, or the whitish sticky substance that collects due to improper dental care. The bacteria alter the pH level of our mouth by producing acid, dropping the pH of the saliva. When the pH becomes too low, the minerals of the tooth enamel start to dissolve, leading to tooth decay.
The Caries Balance
You might wonder why, despite having similar lifestyle and habits, some people get cavities while others don’t. To put it simply, the balance between disease-causing and protective factors vary from person to person and also changes with time.
Disease-causing factors are:
The presence of a large quantity of acid-producing bacteria
Unhealthy dietary habits
The absence of healthy salivary function
Protective factors include the following:
Healthy salivary function
Use of antibacterial agents
Healthy diet
Routine visits to your family dental clinic
The key to maintaining good oral hygiene is to discover methods to lean more towards factors that promote protection.
Assessing Your Risk
Assessing your risk of dental caries is important because not everyone has the same potential for developing tooth decay. Since a ‘one size fits all approach’ cannot be adopted here, modern dentistry has developed dental care that is customized according to an individual’s dental risks. Additionally, protocols have been established based on the age of the individuals. Thus, it is crucial to choose your family dental clinic carefully and ensure that you get proper advice and treatment to maintain good oral hygiene.
Strategies to Prevent Tooth Decay
Preventing tooth decay is not simply brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and avoiding too much sugar. Your dentist may suggest additional measures including, but not limited to the following:
Identifying & Reducing Acid-Producing Bacteria A simple test is used to identify the harmful bacteria which can help you adopt protective measures to reduce their presence and prevent tooth decay. You can use pH neutralizing agents and antibacterial mouth rinses to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
Following a Healthy Diet It is important to reduce the consumption of refined sugar. Natural sugars present in fruits and vegetables are a better choice. Regularly having juices, candies, and sodas that are rich in sugar can have an adverse effect on your teeth. It is advisable to include non-carbohydrate and non-sugary snacks such as fresh fruits and salads in your diet.
Protecting Your Teeth from Decay Applying fluoride is an effective way to prevent decay. Sealants can also be used to seal the places such as the tiny hidden pits where decay typically occurs and help prevent cavities.
Visit the Best Dental Clinic in Ottawa to Reduce & Eliminate Tooth Decay
We understand that tooth decay can be painful and provide treatments to help reduce and eliminate it. For more information on proper dental care, please get in touch with us to schedule your appointment at Family Dental Care by calling on 613-736-5000. We also have emergency dentists in Ottawa to cater to our patient’s needs.
tooth, delta dental, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, medicare advantage, patient, dental degree, emergency, hygiene, teeth cleaning, zip code, tooth decay, pediatric dentistry, general, risk, dental hygienist, endodontics, medicaid, dental insurance, pain, sedation, academy of general dentistry, gums, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, find a dentist, general dentist, cosmetic dental, dental, dental plan, hygienist, pediatric dentist, dental care, dentist find, dental experience, general dentistry, benefit plan, healthy smiles, dental implants, search results, pediatric dental, deltacare usa, dental school, clinic, jaw, mouth, therapy, disease, physician, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, dental public health, radiology, medicare, crown, doctor of medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, surgeon, pathology, dentures, dental assistant, surgery, oral hygiene, health insurance, exam, root canal, anesthesiology, disability, prosthesis, oral and maxillofacial radiology, residency, anesthesia, oral medicine, fluoride, health care, dental specialty, dental laboratory, forensic dentistry, bruxism, diagnosis, health professional, dental admission test, license, national board dental examination, public health, toothache, general dentists, medical, dental specialties, oral and maxillofacial, orofacial pain, dental practice, dental specialists, pediatric dentists, smile clinic, clinicas dentales baratas, dentalcare, sonrisas dental, dentista hispano, dental family, dentistas hispanos, smile dent, amatista dental, dentista familiar, pulp, oral cancer, infection, water fluoridation, neck, drill, ottawa, ontario, dental emergency, request appointment, ottawa dental clinic, dentist in ottawa, contact us today, dentist ottawa, compassion, temporomandibular joint, periodontal disease, gingival recession, bad breath, dental fear, snoring, dental centre, dental patient, book your appointment, trillium dental, family dentists, make an appointment, dental services, family dental care, family dental, quality dental care, emergency dental care, ottawa dentist, emergency dental, ottawa dental, invisalign smile assessment
Are dentist offices considered essential?
Dentist offices are considered essential services in Canada. They provide necessary oral healthcare and emergency dental treatments that are critical for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Can dentist prescribe medicine?
Dentists in Canada are authorized to prescribe certain medications related to dental treatment, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medications necessary to manage dental conditions.
Are all orthodontists dentists?
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists are specialists who have completed additional training in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
Are dentist in demand?
Dentists are in high demand in Canada, as the population continues to grow and the need for comprehensive dental care increases. Dentists provide essential services to maintain oral health and address dental issues, making them a crucial part of the healthcare system.
Can I go to a dentist not near me?
You can choose to visit a dentist not located near you, as dental care may be more convenient or accessible elsewhere. However, it's recommended to consider factors like transportation, insurance coverage, and the quality of the dental practice when selecting a provider.
Are dentist cleanings necessary?
Regular dentist cleanings are necessary for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues.
Can dentist prescribe meds?
Dentists can prescribe certain medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, as part of dental treatment. The scope of medications a dentist can prescribe is typically limited to those directly related to oral health and dental procedures.
Are dentist called doctors?
Dentists are considered doctors in the field of oral healthcare. They have undergone extensive education and training to diagnose and treat various dental conditions, just like medical doctors.
Are biological dentists covered by insurance?
Whether biological dentists are covered by insurance depends on the specific insurance plan. Some plans may cover services from biological dentists, while others may not. It's best to check with your insurance provider to determine the coverage for biological dental treatments.
Are all dentists DDS?
Not all dentists are DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Some dentists may hold different dental degrees, such as DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), depending on the dental school they attended.
Are dentist offices open on Martin Luther King Day?
Dentist offices may have reduced hours or be closed on Martin Luther King Day, as it is a federal holiday in the United States. The operating hours vary by practice, so it's best to check with your local dentist office for their specific holiday schedule.
Are all dentists doctors?
Dentists are healthcare professionals who have completed specialized dental education and training, but they are not medical doctors. Dentists focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health issues.
Can dentist prescribe?
Dentists in Canada can prescribe certain medications for their patients, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and medications to treat dental conditions. The scope of prescriptive authority for dentists may vary by province or territory.
Are there any 24-hour dentists near me?
The closest 24-hour dental clinic near you is Ottawa Dental Care, located just 10 minutes from your location. They offer emergency dental services and are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address any urgent dental needs you may have.
Are dentist offices open on weekends?
Dentist offices are often open on weekends to accommodate patients with busy schedules. Many clinics offer Saturday appointments, and some may even have Sunday hours for emergency dental services.
Can dentist get you in the same day?
The dentist may be able to see you the same day for urgent or emergency dental issues, depending on the clinic's availability and the nature of the problem.
Are dentist offices open?
Dentist offices are typically open, providing essential dental services while following safety protocols to protect patients and staff during the pandemic.
Can I just go to any dentist?
You can go to any dentist, but it's best to choose one who specializes in family dental care and has a focus on preventive dentistry and patient education to ensure a comfortable and effective dental experience.
Are dentist offices open in California?
Dentist offices in California are generally open, as dental services are considered essential healthcare. Patients can visit dentists for routine check-ups, emergency treatment, and other dental needs while following COVID-19 safety protocols.
Are dentist in high demand?
Dentists are in high demand in Canada, as the population continues to grow and the need for dental care increases.
Can you just walk into a dentist?
While some dentists may accept walk-in patients, it is generally recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure availability and provide the best care.
Are all dentists board certified?
Not all dentists are board certified. Board certification signifies specialized training and expertise, but it is not a mandatory requirement for dental practice in Canada.
Are dentist consultations free?
Dentist consultations at Family Dental Care are not typically free, as the clinic provides professional dental services that require payment. However, many insurance plans may cover the cost of initial consultations.
Can dentist cause nerve damage?
Nerve damage is a potential risk during certain dental procedures. Dentists are trained to minimize this risk by using caution and following proper techniques. However, some procedures, such as tooth extractions or root canals, do carry a higher risk of nerve damage.
Can dentist charge for missed appointments?
Dentists can charge for missed appointments. Dental practices often have policies in place that allow them to bill patients for missed or cancelled appointments without adequate notice.
Are dentist offices open today?
Dentist offices are typically open during regular business hours, but hours may vary by individual clinic. It's best to contact your local dentist to confirm their current operating schedule.
Are dentist medical doctors?
Dentists are not medical doctors. Dentists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral and dental conditions, but they do not have the same level of medical training as physicians.
Can dentist refuse to treat me?
Dentists may refuse to treat patients under certain circumstances, such as if the patient's medical condition poses a risk, the patient exhibits disruptive behavior, or the patient refuses to follow recommended treatment plans.
Are dentist bills tax deductible?
Dental expenses, including bills from dentists, are generally tax-deductible in Canada if they exceed 3% of your net income and are not covered by private insurance or other plans.
Are dental assistants covered under employee dentist malpractice insurance?
Dental assistants are typically covered under the employee dentist's malpractice insurance policy, which provides protection for the dentist and their staff against potential liability claims related to dental procedures.
dentist near me, dentist ottawa, emergency dentist, dental clinic near me, best dentist near me, family dentist near me
Leave a Reply