Certainly, this is among the most common inquiries we receive. As Moreno Valley dentists who have helped countless patients reverse the effects of poor oral health, our doctors are often asked what causes tooth decay; typically, by patients who have already attained it to some degree. Of course, no one wants this to happen to them; but unfortunately, some are uninformed as to the causes of tooth decay and the best means of prevention. To assist patients, our Moreno Valley dentists address the question: “What are the major causes of tooth decay?”as follows:

Causes of tooth decay originate when a tooth loses its mineral content (demineralization). The loss of these protective minerals results in the formation of plaque; this plaque breeds a bacterium that sustains itself on sugar deposits left on the teeth from food. After ingesting the sugar, the bacterium almost immediately begins to emit its waste on the teeth in the form of acids – acids that eat away at the tooth enamel, which is the process of decay.

How can you remove tooth decay once it starts?

For those in the Inland Empire, the Moreno Valley dentists at Canyon Crest Dental utilize an intra-oral camera to detect potential tooth decay activity before the damage is irreversible; then they remove it with a painless, air-driven tool with a treatment known as micro air abrasion.

Where is micro air abrasion available?

A small number of dentistry practices offer micro air abrasion for tooth decay removal – and Canyon Crest Dental is one of them! Our Moreno Valley dentist is one of a select few practices within the Inland Empire who offers this advanced treatment. Contact us today to request an initial consultation.