Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a disease caused by bacteria forming plaque that destroys your protective enamel layer of your tooth.

Thousands of bacteria forming plaque exist in your mouth and it is perfectly normal, but removal is important and essential in maintaining healthy teeth. 

In order to prevent tooth decay, it is best if you understand the process of tooth decay. 

The process of tooth decay starts when bacteria in your mouth creates plaque and the plaque produces an acid that eats away at your tooth enamel. The combination of plaque and foods that contain sugar and carbohydrates, cause a chemical reaction and produce acid.  If the acid is not removed, it will begin to penetrate and dissolve the minerals in the outer enamel layer of your tooth. 

Usually as the protective enamel layer of your tooth is penetrated, a white or brown spot will form on your tooth.  This is the first visible sign of tooth decay. Tooth decay will eventually cause a dental cavity to form. 

Your teeth will begin to decay if plaque is not removed from your entire mouth including your teeth, gums, lips and tongue.  The following steps should be taken to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay:

• Maintaining proper oral hygiene by regular dental brushing, dental flossing, use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash and tongue cleaning.
• Using a toothpaste or mouth wash that contains fluoride when brushing and rinsing your mouth.
• Decrease the amount of foods you eat that contain sugar and carbohydrates
• Regular dental exams (semi-annually)
• Rinse your mouth out with water after you eat when you cannot brush.
• Chewing gum that is sugarless and contains xylitol

To determine if tooth decay is affecting your teeth, please contact Dr. Dhayni, DDS to schedule an appointment at (586)-558-8200 or email us at info@warrendentistry.com. Our office is located at 30205 Schoenherr Rd, Suite E, Warren, Michigan 48088.  Dr. Dhayni, of Warren Dentistry, provides general and cosmetic dental services in the Metro Detroit Michigan Area.