Stop Tooth Decay: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips in Seattle, WA.

Zen Dental Center
13 minutes ago
2 min read

Zen Dental Center in Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102 Family Cosmetic Emergency Implants - Dental Checkup, Cleaning and Examinations, Crowns, Bridges, Implants, Restorations, Veneers, Tooth Extractions, Teeth Whitening, ClearCorrect, Dentures, Partial Dentures, Emergency Dentist, Invisalign Dentist, Kid Friendly Dentist, Periodontics, Root Canal Therapy

Are You Battling Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems affecting patients of all ages. Despite being highly preventable, cavities continue to be a leading cause of tooth pain, infection, and tooth loss. Understanding how tooth decay develops and how it is treated can help patients take action early and protect their oral health.

How Cavities Start

Tooth decay actively begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth. When this plaque interacts with sugars and carbohydrates from your diet, it produces acids. These acids aggressively weaken tooth enamel, eventually creating small holes in the enamel—what dentists call cavities. Because decay in the early stages often causes no noticeable symptoms, regular dental exams are crucial.

Recognizing the Signs

As decay progresses, you may notice increased tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, or visible discoloration. If you neglect a cavity, it can grow deeper, reach the inner layers of the tooth, and cause a severe infection or abscess. If you experience persistent tooth pain in Seattle, WA, contact a dental professional immediately.

Effective Treatment Options

General dentistry offers several effective treatment options based on the severity of the decay. For early-stage cavities, a dental filling is the most common solution. Your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and restores the area with a durable filling material, often choosing a tooth-colored material for a natural appearance.

Advanced Care and Prevention

If decay is more advanced, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to protect and strengthen the tooth. When infection reaches the pulp, we use root canal therapy to remove the infected tissue and save your natural tooth structure. The best approach remains prevention: maintain consistent oral hygiene, limit sugary foods and drinks, and schedule routine dental visits at Seattle, WA.

Protect Your Healthy Smile

Early detection and prompt treatment are key to minimizing damage and keeping your smile healthy. Don't wait for the pain to start. Schedule your comprehensive dental exam with us today to check for early signs of tooth decay!