Tooth Decay’s Lurking! Don’t Wait to Your Visit Your Dentist in Murphy!

You understand that your teeth and oral health are gifts, so you refuse to squander them. Therefore, you want to know how to protect them. Your dentist in Murphy says that one way is to learn how to detect tooth decay in the earlier stages and then act accordingly when any signs are spotted. Read on to learn how to effectively ensure your oral health through preventive dentistry.

How Can I Spot Tooth Decay?

One of the ways to stop tooth decay from budding into major problems is to be able to identify its symptoms, which may include:

• Tooth Discoloration – When tooth decay is still at the enamel level, you won’t feel any discomfort because the enamel has no nerves, but you may notice dark spots. At the first sight of these, you should contact your dentist immediately.
• Bad Breath – If you notice that you have consistent bouts of bad breath, this can be a sign that you have a decaying tooth.
• Increased Sensitivity – Once decay bypasses the enamel and enters the softer dentin area of your tooth, you may experience sensitivity to temperature and texture changes in foods and beverages you consume.
• Toothache and Swelling – As more bacteria grow and your tooth decay advances, you may experience toothache and swelling from your gums becoming infected. In some cases, this is considered a dental emergency.

How to Address Tooth Decay

The best way to address tooth decay is to immediately seek treatment by making an appointment with your dentist. “Why is this so important?” You may wonder. It’s because once tooth decay starts, it doesn’t stop on its own. It has to be treated or else it’ll keep traveling beyond just your mouth to other parts of your body like your brain and heart.

Studies show that bacteria that cause tooth decay, if untreated, can contribute to very serious problems like heart attack, stroke and even Alzheimer’s disease. So when you take steps to address an oral issue, you are actually protecting your overall health.

The Power of Now!

Being proactive is super valuable because oral health problems can literally escalate overnight. Thus, the greater your sense of urgency is when you notice tooth decay, the better your outlook is in the long-run.

It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to wait until you see signs of tooth decay to visit your dentist. To experience the true benefits of preventive dentistry, be sure to visit every six months so that your local professionals can clean and examine your mouth, teeth and gums. Thus, you’ll enjoy the advantage of being able to prevent oral maladies from developing.

So whether you’re being proactive or you’ve noticed that something isn’t quite right with your oral health, reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment today!

About the Author

A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Jacquie Nguyen completed her General Practice Residency at the Dallas Veterans Medical Center. Since then, she has remained dedicated to expanding her knowledge by attending annual continuing education courses and networking with other forward-thinking professionals. Dr. Nguyen practices at Murphy Family Dentists and can be reached for more information through her website.