According to the National Institute of Health, dental caries—or cavities—are among the most prevalent dental health problems that individuals in America face. In fact, they state that approximately 92% of adults between the ages of 20 to 64 have had dental caries in their permanent teeth. The more shocking statistic from their data shows that 24% of adults in this age range have untreated tooth decay. If you’re looking for a dental practice for restorative treatment to get your cavity filled in Flagstaff, AZ, our team at Country Club Dental is passionate about giving you a smile that that is functional and beautiful!
Why Are Dental Caries So Common?
Dental caries occur through a process called demineralization that happens on the tooth’s surface. This process is initiated when sugars in our food (be they healthy or unhealthy foods) react with the bacteria in our mouth. This reaction then produces an acidic environment and results in a breakdown of the tooth enamel. Because our modern diet is so high in sugar and often low in other necessary nutrients; and because our dental hygiene may be lacking at times, our teeth have a difficult time fighting decay.
Enter our saliva to the rescue. It’s a natural defense to the process of demineralization and can help remineralize our teeth, fortifying them with the calcium and phosphate they need. But if demineralization exceeds our mouth’s natural defenses, it allows tooth decay to begin on the outer surfaces of a tooth and then penetrate to the deeper, softer, and more vulnerable tissues beneath the surface. The resulting outcome is tooth decay and a whole lot of pain that can usually be avoided by personal hygiene that supports the natural defenses in our mouth.
Get Your Cavity Filled in Flagstaff, AZ
At Country Club Dental, we want to see our patients as infrequently as possible. Don’t get us wrong, we love seeing you, but we also want you to maintain your pearly whites with a consistent, at-home dental care regimen that keeps your teeth at their healthiest. And while brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day might seem like difficult habits to sustain, they really are the best preventative methods for avoiding tooth decay. In addition, we recommend scheduling your biannual cleanings and annual checkups every year.
In the event that dental caries occur and you’re looking for an experienced, friendly dental office where you can get your cavity filled in Flagstaff, AZ, we’re here to restore the brilliance of your smile. Ask us about tooth colored fillings, a very popular option, that blend with the natural color of your teeth. Contact us today and we’ll take good care of you!
Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash (10/11/2018)
