tooth decay Archives - Salvaggio Dentistry Blog

How to Prevent Early Childhood Caries

June 1, 2021

Filed under: Brampton Dentist — Tags: brampton dentist, early childhood caries, ecc, holes in teeth kids, kids cavities, salvaggio dentistry, tooth decay — salvaggiodentistry @ 4:37 pm

In this day and age, children are at an increased risk of developing cavities from an early age. This is due to the abundance of and easy access to sweetened foods, coupled with misinformation and poor oral hygiene habits. Cavities can form on baby teeth upon the earliest eruption through the gums, which occurs around 5-10 months old. Early childhood caries occur at lightning speed and can cause severe distress for a child. The Canadian Dental Association considers early childhood cavities a significant public health problem. Early childhood caries can lead to pain, infection, loss of confidence, trouble biting and chewing and future issues with crowding of the adult teeth.

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All You Need to Know About Tooth Decay

November 9, 2020

Filed under: Brampton Dentist — Tags: brampton dental office, brampton dentist, cavities, dental decay, dr salvaggio, salvaggio dentistry, tooth cavities, tooth cavity, tooth decay, tooth holes — salvaggiodentistry @ 5:17 pm

Cavities, What Are They?

A cavity is an area of cavitation in the tooth enamel (outer tooth structure) and dentin (inner tooth structure) caused by oral bacteria and acids. When sugars are consumed, they get converted into acids in the mouth, which then attack the enamel of the teeth. The acids slowly demineralize the outer structure of the teeth and leads to cavities over time. Cavities most commonly affect the deep grooves and fissures on the biting surfaces of the molars and the in-between surfaces of the teeth, which are both problematic areas to adequately clean. It is vital to catch cavities in their earliest stages, so minimally invasive treatment can be provided. Dental x-rays are an essential tool for diagnostic purposes and are used to catch cavities early before they are visible and start causing pain.

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What Causes Tooth Decay?

December 23, 2019

Filed under: Brampton Dentist — Tags: Brampton, brampton dentist, tooth decay — salvaggiodentistry @ 8:13 pm

Tooth decay is the penetration of bacteria and acids through microscopic tubules and channels into the underlying structure of the tooth. Cavities are not caused all at once, but slowly with time from certain risk factors. The first step of a cavity is the penetration into the enamel (outer layer) of the teeth. This stage is usually slow-moving because the enamel is extremely dense. At this time, the cavity can be halted and may not need to be fixed, with the right combination of proper oral hygiene and fluoride. Once the cavity can penetrate the underlying tooth structure called the dentin, it can move quickly as the dentin is less dense, and thus needs to be fixed with a filling.

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Learn How To Protect Baby Teeth From Cavities

November 25, 2019

Filed under: Dentistry — Tags: baby teeth, Brampton, brampton dentist, brushing, cavities, flossing, fluoride, primary teeth, tooth decay — salvaggiodentistry @ 8:00 pm

Even before baby teeth begin to erupt, around the age of 6-10 months when the first baby tooth comes through, it is essential to start a regular oral hygiene regimen with your baby at home. It is recommended to use a damp cloth or piece of gauze to wipe your baby’s gums after bottles and before bed to remove sugars from the milk. As soon as the first baby tooth erupts, you can begin using a small toothbrush and non-fluoridated toothpaste to brush. The baby teeth will erupt between the age of 6-10 months until around 25-33 months. Baby teeth may be susceptible to cavities as soon as they break through the gum tissue into the mouth, so it is vital to have a good oral hygiene regimen.

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How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

June 11, 2019

Filed under: Dentistry — Tags: baby bottle tooth decay, baby teeth, Brampton, brampton dentist, tooth decay — salvaggiodentistry @ 5:00 pm

Tooth decay occurs from sugar being exposed to the teeth, or being stuck to the tooth or around teeth. Bottles that contain anything but water have the potential to cause decay in baby teeth. The most commonly affected teeth from bottles are the upper front teeth, but sometimes it can also affect the lower front teeth and the back teeth. It can be challenging to see when cavities begin forming, but when they are more advanced, the teeth start turning brown and chipping.

Avoid Doing These Things

Dipping pacifiers in anything containing sugar (syrup, honey, juice)
Putting juice or sugar water into a bottle
Putting your baby to bed with a bottle containing anything but water (even milk has natural sugars that can cause cavities)
Not wiping/brushing your baby’s teeth after a bottle of milk

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