Looking after your teeth is one of the easiest things you can do – yet so many of us neglect to give our smiles the care and attention they deserve. Sadly, when we don’t brush and floss our teeth effectively, or we avoid visiting the dentist altogether, it can take its toll on our precious mouths, leading to problems such as decay, infection and in the long-run, even tooth loss.

In this post, our expert dentists here in Lancaster look at signs of dental decay, covering how you can spot problems in your mouth, and how you can treat them.

Potential problems

As we’ve mentioned, decay, infection and tooth loss are all potential side-effects of a poor dental routine. This is also true of conditions such as gum disease and periodontitis. Decay breaks down the tooth, and can lead to an infection of the tissue inside (the pulp), or potentially the gum. If the gums become inflamed due to poor hygiene (gum disease), the result can be periodontitis, which is where the gums recede and the teeth fall out.

Spotting signs

The best way to keep an eye on your dental health is through attending regular dental check-ups. Our dentists are trained on the key things to look out for, and can take photographs, x-rays and more when assessing your smile. In addition, they can help treat plaque build-up on the teeth, and offer advice on how to care for your mouth, teeth and gums. Some signs that there could be problems include:

– Pain and sensitivity
– Loose teeth
– Sore, inflamed gums
– Visible cavities in the teeth

Treatment options

Treatment varies, depending on what problems you may have. For those with dental decay, a filling or root canal may be recommended. In cases of tooth loss, our dental implants can restore the function and appearance of any missing teeth. In this situation, we can also offer dentures (dental implants are permanently fixed in place, while dentures are removable).

Talk to our experts

Our dentists are always on hand to help with your dental concerns. Whether it’s a treatment such as dental implants or dentures, or a hygiene appointment to help clean and care for your smile, our experts know how to keep your oral health on track. Get in touch with us here in Lancaster and we’ll arrange an appointment to suit you.