At Clear Lake Dental Care and Implant Center, one of the most common dental conditions we treat in our Webster, TX area practice are cavities. Cavities, also referred to as tooth decay or dental caries, are damaging to the teeth and can cause the loss of permanent adult teeth if not treated in the earliest stages. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 31% of adults between the ages of 20-44 have untreated dental caries. This often occurs when patients do not maintain routine dental visits with their dental provider. Drs. Das, Pham, and Rivera of Clear Lake Dental Care and Implant Center encourage patients to see their dentist twice a year for evaluations, and to make an appointment between visits if concerns arise.
How To Avoid Cavities
While the occurrence of cavities is quite high, these areas of decay are easily preventable with proper oral health care habits. This includes treatment in the home each day and routine visits with the dentist at least twice a year. Additionally, patients should pay close attention to their diet as well. Acids that can sit on the teeth after consuming sugars and starches can eat away at the natural enamel of the tooth, weakening the tooth and causing exposure of the dentin underneath. This needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to ensure the condition does not worsen and require more invasive procedures to treat.
How Cavities Are Treated
Most cavities are treated with dental fillings, which use a composite resin material to fill the area of decay and protect it from becoming larger and more damaging. In situations where extensive damage has occurred, patients may require root canal therapy or even extraction of the tooth to address. This should be avoided with regular dental visits.
Take Good Care Of Your Smile And Fight Tooth Decay!
Along with taking good care of the smile every day, patients should also maintain their routine dental visits with the providers at Clear Lake Dental Care and Implant Center in Webster, TX. If you live in or around the community and want to work with a dedicated team of professionals, now is the time to call our office to request a dental visit. Our practice is located at 202 West Medical Center Boulevard and can be reached at (832) 479-4676.
