Tooth Decay Prevention

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay begins with the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. These bacteria join with food particles and fluids in the mouth to create plaque, a constantly forming biofilm which sticks to the surface of tooth enamel.

The bacteria in plaque convert the sugars in our foods into lactic acid. When plaque remains on the tooth, these acids erode the calcium phosphate minerals which make enamel the hardest substance in the body. This process, called demineralization, creates weak spots in the tooth surface.

Over time, a weak spot will become larger and deeper until a hole, or cavity, forms in the enamel.

Treating Tooth Decay and Cavities

tooth decayBecause tooth enamel isn’t living tissue, it can’t regenerate or grow back. Once bacteria and acids have created a deep enough cavity, only a dentist can repair it by removing the decayed area of the tooth and restoring the tooth’s structure.

Without treatment, a cavity will continue to grow until it erodes the enamel and spreads into the interior of the tooth. Treatment for tooth decay will depend on how far the decay has progressed.

  • Demineralization—Early tooth decay

Early signs of demineralization can show up as white spots where minerals have been stripped from the enamel. Demineralization is sometimes reversible with a professional fluoride treatment that remineralizes and strengthens tooth enamel.

  • Enamel Decay

For small cavities in the enamel, a filling is generally recommended. The dentist will remove any decay, clean the area, and fill the tooth. Filling options include color-matched composite, silver dental amalgam, and gold fillings.

  • Dentin Decay

Dentin lies just below tooth enamel. When decay reaches the dentin, it spreads more quickly because dentin is much softer than enamel. More extensive decay might require a larger filling or a crown.

  • Pulp Decay

Left untreated, a cavity can grow until it reaches the living pulp inside the dentin. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves, and, once damaged or infected, will require a root canal procedure and a crown to save the tooth.

  • Extraction

When decay is so extensive that a tooth cannot be saved, extraction becomes necessary. A dental implant is often the best choice to replace a lost tooth because it prevents shifting in the remaining teeth and helps maintain jawbone density.

Preventing Tooth Decay

While there are many options for treating cavities, prevention is always best. Working together with your dental team, you can help prevent cavities with healthy dental habits and proactive treatments:

  • Regular checkups can catch and treat early tooth decay before a cavity forms.
  • Professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque you might have missed.
  • Brush at least twice a day, for at least two minutes each time, to clean plaque from tooth surfaces.
  • Floss at least once each day to remove plaque between the teeth and along the gum line.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste, a proven way to strengthen and remineralize enamel.
  • Consider professional fluoride treatments if you have a higher risk of tooth decay.
  • Ask your dentist about sealants to protect molars from decay.
  • Make sure your tooth-healthy diet is rich in nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D and low in sugars and acids.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I love all the ladies at the reception, my hygienist and Dr. Mitera."
    Snezana
  • "I always have a very positive experience. The staff is so nice and helpful. I would recommend this office to anyone."
    Judy
  • "Always a pleasant experience!! Professional, and concerned about comfort always ..."
    Beth
  • "Staff is wonderful and assisted very well to my teeth problems. As new patient I am hoping I am hoping to continue to get great care."
    Jeffrey
  • "Excellent"
    Camilla
  • "Everything went well! I was called in because there was an available slot open. So the rescheduling worked out well for all."
    Leonard
  • "Front office is always warm and welcoming. Erin is thorough and gentle, always professional."
    Claudia
  • "Always efficient and pleasant."
    Kathleen
  • "Always very friendly and professional staff, and I am very happy with the excellent dental care I receive."
    Christine
  • "Everyone is so friendly! The dentist took his time and was very patient with me!!"
    Julie
  • "Everyone is very professional, from the front desk to the hygienist. Very clean and pleasant environment. It was my first visit with the new hygienist, she was great, pleasant and very efficient."
    Carol
  • "I have been a patient for >30 years. Dr. Mitera is extremely gentle, and the rapport he has with his dental assistants/techs is terrific. The office personnel have been there for >20 years and are personable and professional."
    Kimberly
  • "Best Dental practice I've ever experienced. I've recommended it to everyone I know. Love the staff and the care I receive!! Thank you, Dr. Young!"
    Cori
  • "This was my first visit and I was very pleased with Dr. Roberts and her staff. Dr. Roberts is friendly but yet professional during my examination. I felt very comfortable and at ease by her and the staff I am so glad to be a patient and look forward to future appointments."
    Mary
  • "Clean and efficient. Professional yet personal. Everyone I've met seems to enjoy being there and helping their patients. Very happy to be able to receive my dental care at Ludlow Family Dentistry."
    David
  • "Our family continues to get a great care and service at Ludlow Family Dentistry. The doctors and entire staff are professional, thoughtful and caring."
    Stephen
  • "Professional, courteous service with a smile!"
    Stanley
  • "I have always felt (and even more so since the COVID pandemic) that the facility is meticulously clean and that Dr. Roberts and my hygienist, Chris have my safety and health foremost in their efforts. Thank you, all!"
    Janvier
  • "Always a pleasure! Professional, personal, quality work all-around. Thank You all!"
    Robert
  • "Ludlow Family Dentistry always make me fell welcome and comfortable. I trust their caring, friendly, and highly skilled staff for my dental needs. I wholeheartedly recommend this place."
    Cathy