Tooth Decay Treatment in Asheville

Cavities Aren’t Just for Kids

Dr. Sylvia Jernigan is the leading dentist for tooth decay treatment in Asheville

Tooth decay treatment in Asheville is important for maintaining a healthy smile. Tooth decay, sometimes called caries, often starts so small that you might not even notice it. In fact, the first stage of tooth decay can appear as a tiny white spot on your tooth. And who notices a white spot on a white tooth? Your Clyde and Asheville dentist, Dr. John Highsmith, does!

Dr. John Highsmith has more training, more experience, and more high-tech equipment than you would think possible–and much of it is geared directly toward finding your seemingly simple caries. You see, tiny as cavities or other forms of tooth decay may be to start, they can lead to all kinds of problems.

Risks Without Tooth Decay Treatment in Asheville

These problems include :

Abscess
Inflammation
Tooth shifting and loss
Chewing difficulty and nutritional deficiency

Lost school or work hours because of pain
Gum disease
Heart and lung issues
And much more

The truth is, though tooth decay is common, we do not consider it normal. Cavities can be prevented or treated before they progress! That’s why your Asheville dentist encourages frequent checkups and cleanings. We use advanced technology, like the DIAGNOdent pen, a special device that uses laser fluorescence detection to show even the earliest signs of caries and periodontitis, providing timely tooth decay treatment in Asheville.

View our Smile Gallery

What is tooth decay, and what causes it?

Tooth decay is the disease known as caries. Fortunately, this is a disease that is highly treatable with our tooth decay treatment in Asheville, especially when caught early. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes, and even fruits, vegetables, and juices. Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods to produce acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or demineralizing, the mineral structure of teeth, producing tooth decay and weakening the teeth. We’ve seen an epidemic of cavities caused by sugary sodas. Drinking lots of sodas is horrible for your teeth! A couple a week might not hurt you, but several a day is asking for trouble–and a lot of dental work! In fact, any kind of snacking or sipping throughout the day contributes to tooth decay. Water is your friend!
Years of soda drinking led to the destruction of this 22-year-old man’s teeth. Be sure to look at the Smile Gallery page to see the happy ending!
Tooth decay can also begin and be aggravated by things like:

Dry mouth
Certain medications and health conditions
Braces
Heartburn and acid reflux
Eating disorders
Lack of Fluoride
Old and worn dental repairs

Whatever is leading to or aggravating tooth decay or caries, remember this: It is caused by bacteria, and those bacteria can be spread. That’s right. Tooth decay is actually an infectious disease. If you don’t take care of your teeth for yourself, do it for your loved ones! Your Asheville dentist is here to help.

How is caries prevented?

The acids formed by plaque can be counteracted by simple saliva in your mouth, which acts as a buffer and remineralization agent. Your Clyde dentist often recommends chewing sugarless gum to stimulate your flow of saliva. However, though it is the body’s natural defense against caries, saliva alone is not sufficient to combat tooth decay.
The best way to prevent caries is to brush and floss regularly. To rebuild the early damage caused by plaque bacteria, we use fluoride, a natural substance that helps to remineralize the tooth structure. Fluoride is added to toothpaste to fight cavities and clean teeth. The most common source of fluoride is in the water we drink. Fluoride is added to most community water supplies and to many bottled and canned beverages. If you are at medium to high risk for caries, your dentist may recommend special high concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses, or dietary fluoride supplements. For effective prevention and tooth decay treatment in Asheville, your dentist may also use professional-strength anti-cavity varnish or sealants—thin, plastic coatings that provide an extra barrier against food and debris.

Who is at risk for caries?

Because we all carry bacteria in our mouths, everyone is at risk for tooth decay, otherwise known as caries. Unfortunately, some people are at higher risk than others. Children and senior citizens are the two groups at the highest risk for caries. In addition, those with a diet high in carbohydrates and sugary foods, and those who live in communities without fluoridated water, are likely candidates for caries. For those at higher risk, our tooth decay treatment in Asheville is important to catch and treat cavities early. Additionally, people with a lot of fillings also have a higher chance of developing tooth decay, as the area around a restored portion of a tooth can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

What can I do to help protect my teeth?

The best way to combat caries and cavities is to follow three simple steps:

Cut down on sweets and between-meal snacks. Remember, it’s these sugary and starchy treats that put your teeth at extra risk.
Brush after every meal and floss daily. Cavities most often begin in hard-to-clean areas between teeth and in the fissures and pits—the rough and uneven parts of your dental enamel. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush inside, outside, and between your teeth, as well as on the top of your tongue. Be sure the bristles are firm, not bent, and replace the toothbrush every few weeks to prevent reinfecting your mouth with old bacteria that can collect on the brush. Only buy toothpastes and rinses that contain fluoride (antiseptic rinses also help remove plaque) and look for the American Dental Association seal of acceptance logo on the package. Children under six should use only a pea-sized dab of toothpaste and spit out as much as possible to protect their developing teeth from excess fluoride. Since caries is a transmittable disease, toothbrushes should never be shared, especially with your children. Preventative care is essential, but if you notice any signs of decay, don’t hesitate to schedule your tooth decay treatment in Asheville with Dr. John Highsmith. We offer in Asheville a tooth decay treatment to help maintain your oral health.
At Dr. John Highsmith’s dental practice in Asheville and Clyde, we recommend visiting us at least every six months for checkups and cleanings. Since tooth decay can be hard to detect on your own, regular exams are essential. If you experience a toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, or notice signs of decay like white spots or discoloration, don’t wait—schedule an appointment. The sooner you come in for tooth decay treatment in Asheville with Dr. John Highsmith, the easier and quicker the process will be. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious problems like root canal infections, severe damage, or even tooth loss.

Don’t risk your smile or your health to tooth decay! If it has been a while since your last checkup, call Dr. Highsmith, your Asheville dentist, and schedule a visit. We offer effective tooth decay treatment in Asheville and will be happy to discuss your oral health needs and get your mouth back to ideal health.