22 Jul

Check up at central London dentist prevents the pain of tooth decay

Tooth decay is the process by which teeth are broken down by a substance called plaque and are exposed to pain and infection. Tooth decay is caused by a number of factors but can be prevented fairly easily with improved oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.
The first stage of tooth decay occurs when plaque, a substance rich in bacteria, gradually starts to erode the protective layer of tooth enamel that coats the teeth. This initially leads to dental cavities which, if not repaired either with a filling or a dental crown, will eventually penetrate to the centre of the tooth and allow an infection to damage the pulp and sensitive dental nerve. Tooth decay can be very painful as the dental nerves are extremely sensitive but it can also lead to wider health problems because oral infections are able to spread easily and even enter the bloodstream where they can affect the heart.
Brushing and flossing effectively at home removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and the small gaps between them and around the base. This limits the damaging potential of the plaque and cuts your chances of suffering from tooth decay. However, it is possible to suffer from tooth decay even if you practice oral hygiene to a high degree. This is the reason it is so important to see a Central London dentist every six months for a check up. Catching tooth decay in its earliest stages is very important for preventing further damage. The timely treatment of tooth decay could save you from a lot of pain and also the potential costs of dental treatment in the future. A half-hour appointment every six months could save you a lot of unnecessary suffering and expense so make an appointment to see your dentist today.