Decay in a Single Tooth Can Spread to Others

Did you know that if you have decay in a single tooth that it can spread to your other teeth? Here at Dr. Roy D. Jennings Dentistry, we are one of the best dental offices in Monroe, North Carolina and in this article, we are going to be discussing how having decay in a single tooth can spread to your other teeth.

How Decay in a Single Tooth Can Spread to Others

Sugar and candy are not the only things that can cause cavities. The cause of tooth decay is when bacteria in your mouth eat the leftover food particles and that will produce acid. The food mixed with acid, your saliva, and germs can cling to your teeth and that is called plaque and plaque can erode your tooth’s enamel and can lead to cavities. So, having decay in a single tooth will spread to others.

No matter what you eat or drink cavities will not form without the help from the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria can spread from mouth to mouth, eating or drinking after someone, sneezing, kissing, and more. Now we’re not suggesting that you need to stay away from people that don’t take care of their teeth because as an adult your less susceptible to catch the bacteria. But children on the other had can catch it because they having built up immunity.

To prevent decay in a single tooth from spreading, we suggest that you come into the office so we can gain control of the decay before it spreads. Some of the warnings for tooth decay are tooth sensitivity, pain, or visible cracks and holes in your teeth. By getting regular cleanings once every 6 months and having good dental hygiene, we can prevent tooth decay and reduce the levels of cavity causing bacteria in your mouth. You can also use mouthwash that is designed to help fight tooth decay and cavities if you have a cavity present. For early stages of tooth decay, we can also prescribe a mouthwash that has the active ingredient called chlorhexidine which is a very powerful antiseptic that can rid the bacteria and prevent decay in a single tooth from spreading.

Let Us Help

Here at Dr. Roy D. Jennings Dentistry, we strive to give you the best patient care possible and if you have any questions or concerns on how to stop the spread of decay in a single tooth or any questions in general please don’t hesitate to call us or stop by for a visit. We are always here to help in any way we can.