Hidden Valley Dental Group | Oral Exams, Veneers and Sedation Dentistry

Discovering the Secrets to Protect Your Teeth from Decay

June 10, 2024

It's no secret that maintaining healthy teeth is crucial for a beautiful smile. But did you know that by following some simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay? By seeing your dentist regularly, practicing good oral hygiene at home, and avoiding foods or drinks high in sugar, you can keep cavities at bay. While almost everyone will experience tooth decay at some point in their lives, it is largely preventable.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, occurs when bacteria in your mouth break down the sugars from your diet and produce acids. Over time, these acids can wear away at the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause significant damage to your teeth, gums, and even your overall health.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing tooth decay:

  • Inadequate Oral Hygiene Practices - By neglecting to brush and floss your teeth regularly or visit our dental office for periodic checkups, plaque will accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth. This can lead to cavities and gum disease.
  • Improper Nutrition - Consuming a diet high in sugars, frequent snacking as well as acidic food and drinks creates an oral environment that promotes tooth decay.
  • Dry Mouth - When saliva production is reduced due to medical conditions or certain medications, teeth are more vulnerable to decay.
  • Bruxism - Chronic teeth grinding can strip away the outer protective layer of enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to decay.
  • Enamel Defects and Deeply Grooved Teeth - Deep crevices or defects in the dental enamel harbor plaque, making them likely areas for cavities to form.
  • Receding Gums - Exposed tooth roots due to receding gums do not have the added protection of an outer layer of dental enamel. With the accumulation of dental plaque, these roots are susceptible to decay.

Taking action to prevent tooth decay is easier than you think.

Our dedicated staff at Hidden Valley Dental Group provides top-notch care to help reduce your risk for tooth decay and catch cavities early when they are easiest to treat. By practicing good oral hygiene, eating a nutritious diet low in sweets, scheduling regular dental checkups, and following the guidance of our experienced team, you can protect the health and beauty of your smile.

By brushing and flossing your teeth each day as recommended, you can help prevent the buildup of dental plaque, which is responsible for dental disease. Even with diligent care at home, plaque can still hide in spots too difficult to reach with a toothbrush. For this reason, we recommend professional teeth cleanings twice a year at checkup time. In this way, our hygienist can remove any residual plaque you may have missed while brushing and guide you on better practices for maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home.

For children, who are particularly vulnerable to cavities, we also provide periodic fluoride treatments and place dental sealants to strengthen and shield their teeth. Our professional team is committed to providing essential dietary guidance and demonstrating the best home care methods for patients of all ages to maintain optimal oral health.

Treating tooth decay and restoring your teeth

While being proactive is the best way to prevent tooth decay, there's no need to worry if a cavity does develop. With early detection and care, our dentist will gently and precisely remove the diseased and damaged tooth structure and place a long-lasting filling to restore your tooth's integrity. We use state-of-the-art materials that are both biocompatible and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring your new restoration blends seamlessly with your smile.

Your oral health is important to us at Hidden Valley Dental Group, and we're here to help you keep your teeth healthy and strong. By following our expert guidance and taking action to protect your teeth from decay, you can enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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Contact Info

982 Hamner Avenue
Norco, CA 92860
Existing Patients: (951) 736-8120
New Patients: (951) 582-3969

Office Hours

Monday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
(By Appointment Only)
Sunday
Closed