Fix Cavities and Treat Tooth Decay with Help from Craig Glick DDS
Though you may not be aware of it, chances are good that you are suffering from some level of tooth decay. Experts report that dental caries, aka tooth decay, affects 90 percent of adults over age 20. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to painful cavities or even cause you to lose a tooth entirely. Fortunately, you can turn to Dr. Glick for help in the fight against tooth decay. Dr. Glick can detect any cavities you may have and then treat them with composite fillings colored and shaped to match your natural teeth. We can also help you prevent tooth decay from causing future cavities through our professional dental cleanings. Call us at (818) 305-6410 or use our online contact form to make your appointment.
Understanding Tooth Decay
The root cause of tooth decay is an excess of harmful plaque bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars in the foods that you eat and then produce acids that are very harmful to tooth enamel. The longer you wait between eating and brushing your teeth, the more opportunity that the bacteria will have to produce acid and the greater your chances of developing a cavity. If not treated promptly, cavities can deepen and the decay may eventually reach the nerve of your tooth. Once this happens, you may experience pain or heightened sensitivity to temperatures. Obviously it’s best not to wait until your tooth decay becomes this advanced! Instead, make an appointment with Craig Glick DDS so we can examine your teeth and fill your cavities promptly.
Choose Composite Fillings in Encino for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
When it comes to treating cavities caused by tooth decay, composite fillings are widely considered the best option. Composite fillings can be used to arrest tooth decay and prevent infection. Basically, the dentist removes any damaged tooth material and then seals it using an inert composite material so that the decay cannot attack that portion of the tooth again. Unlike the silver mercury fillings that were used in the past, white composite fillings are safe and aesthetically pleasing. In fact, white composite fillings from a skilled dentist in Encino like Dr. Glick are practically invisible because they match the color of your tooth.
Early Treatment of Tooth Decay Can Save Bad Teeth
While brushing and flossing after every meal will reduce your risk of tooth decay significantly, even individuals with stellar oral hygiene may occasionally develop a small cavity. Because small cavities are often pain-free, you may not even realize you have them. You’ll need professional attention in order to detect and treat these small cavities. With help from Dr. Glick, you can get all your cavities filled before they have a chance to deepen and create a need for more invasive treatment such as a crown, a root canal or even tooth extraction. We recommend that patients keep up with their annual dental cleanings and exams so that Dr. Glick has an opportunity to provide early detection and treatment for cavities. Please call us at (818) 305-6410 or contact us online to set up your appointment.
Tooth Decay in Children
According to the Centers for Disease Control, dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting children between the ages of 6 and 19. In part this is because kids tend to “forget” to brush and floss as often and as thoroughly as they should. Diets high in sugary foods and drinks can also cause kids to suffer from dental caries, as a sugary diet ensures that the bacteria that cause tooth decay always have plenty to eat. As a parent, you can help your children keep their teeth healthy by practicing good oral hygiene yourself and encouraging your children to follow your example. You should also make sure that your children visit a skilled Encino dentist like Dr. Glick regularly in order to get the quality preventative and restorative care that they may need to prevent and treat tooth decay.
A Beautiful, Decay-Free Smile is Only a Click Away!
Please contact us to learn more about fillings and tooth decay. We’re happy to schedule an appointment for you or simply provide more information.