Don’t Let Tooth Decay Ruin Your Smile

Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems in the world. In the United States alone, an estimated 92 percent of the population will have at least one cavity in their lives, and many people will have multiple cavities.

Tooth decay is both treatable and preventable. With regular dental cleanings and tooth-colored dental fillings, our dentist office in Columbia, SC, can keep your smile looking its best all summer and all year.

Keep reading to review what you should do to prevent tooth decay and to learn more about how we treat cavities at Total Dental Care of South Carolina.

Or better yet, call 803-272-4162 or fill out our online form to set up your next dental cleaning soon.

Fighting cavities is a team effort. You are the captain of this team, and our dental professionals are here to support your efforts.

The summer presents some unique concerns because of the heat. It’s important to stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth, which can increase your risk for cavities and gum disease.

While it may be tempting to drink a cold soft drink or sports drink on a hot day, it’s usually better to drink water. Sports drinks and soft drinks can contain as much sugar as a candy bar, and we all know that sugar increases your risk of cavities.

That’s also a reminder of the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth. Scrubbing your teeth twice daily (for two minutes each time) and flossing once per day are how you remove food particles and plaque from your teeth.

Be being proactive, you have a much better chance of keeping your smile cavity-free.

Even if you are disciplined about you daily oral hygiene, it’s still important to make regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and exams.

A professional dental cleaning will remove any plaque or tartar buildup that you may have missed. While you are at Total Dental Care, you should take advantage of some other services that can help protect against tooth decay.

Fluoride treatments can repair minor damage to your enamel through a process called remineralization. Dental sealants create a barrier to protect your most vulnerable teeth from the bacteria that cause decay.

Call us today at 803-272-4162 if you have not yet scheduled your next dental cleaning.

Professional dental cleanings are an important part of keeping your mouth healthy, but so are the dental exams that we perform during your visits.

We encourage you to do everything that you can to prevent cavities. The next best option is to catch cavities early. This is more likely if you make regular visits to our dentist office in Columbia.

During your exam, we will use visual checks and X-rays to look for cavities. When found early, cavities are easier to treat.

Dental fillings are the most basic form of restorative dentistry. They can prevent more serious problems that can develop if your cavity remains untreated. And dental fillings can restore the function of your tooth along with your smile.

The tell-tale signs of cavities are the formation of holes in your teeth and discoloration that can turn your teeth yellow, brown, or black.

The first step in getting a filling is getting rid of the decay. Your comfort is important to us. We will gladly provide local anesthetic or sedation dentistry to keep you pain-free during your treatment.

Once the decay is removed, we fill it with tooth-colored resin. Our composite fillings blend in with the rest of your smile unlike old metal fillings. This means you can fix your tooth, and other people may have no idea that you ever had a cavity.

If you previously had a filling, then you know that fillings don’t last forever.

Over time, they become worn down. They chip. They can crack. They may start to separate from your tooth, or in a worst-case scenario, they may fall out.

When this happens, your filling is no longer protecting your tooth against further decay. By making regular visits to our office, we can keep an eye on your fillings and let you know when it’s time to replace your old ones.

Fighting cavities is a never-ending problem. That’s why your daily hygiene routine, your diet, and regular dental cleaning are so important for protecting your smile.

To schedule your next or your first visit to Total Dental Care of South Carolina, either fill out our online appointment form or call us at 803-272-4162.

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