You need food, particularly sweet and sticky food, for the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that will attack the tooth enamel (outer surface of the tooth). Sugars, especially sucrose, react with bacteria to produce acid. The acid from the bacteria can decay your teeth.
It's not just candy and ice cream we're talking about. All carbohydrate foods, as they are digested, eventually break down into simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose. Some of this digestion begins in the mouth. Foods that break down into simple sugars in the mouth are called fermentable carbohydrates. These include the obvious sugary foods, such as cookies, cakes, soft drinks and candy, but also pretzels, crackers, bananas, potato chips and breakfast cereals. The sugars in these foods combine with the bacteria normally in the mouth to form acids. These acids cause the mineral crystals inside the teeth to begin to dissolve.
The dental caries lesion forms when these acids start to dissolve a tooth's outer protective layer, the enamel. A cavity forms when the tooth decay breaks through the enamel to the underlying layers of the tooth. You can reverse a caries lesion (before it becomes a cavity) by using a variety of fluoride products. These include fluoridated water, fluoride rinses for use at home, and, of course, any commonly used fluoridated toothpaste.
Dental decay, also known as dental caries, begins first inside the tooth. A white spot appears on the enamel where the tooth has started to weaken inside. At this stage, the tooth can repair the weakened area with the help of fluoride and minerals in saliva. But if the decay continues and breaks through the surface of the enamel, the damage is permanent. The decay must be cleaned out and the cavity filled by a dentist. Left untreated, the decay will worsen and destroy a tooth all the way through the outer enamel layer, through the inside dentin layer and down to the pulp or nerve of the tooth.
In young children, teeth that have recently emerged have weak enamel and are highly susceptible to acid decay. A type of decay called baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries destroys enamel quickly and is common in children. This type of decay can eat through enamel and leave a large cavity in a matter of months.
Older adults sometimes have chronic caries: cavities that don't seem to get any worse or do so at a very slow rate. Teeth with chronic caries will tend to be darker in color because the edges of the cavities become stained from normal eating and drinking.
Root caries (decay in the roots of the teeth) is more common in older adults. Older adults are more likely to have gums that have receded from years of hard brushing or periodontal disease. They also are more likely to have dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases the risk of decay. Dry mouth is caused by many common medicines. Be sure to ask the doctor or pharmacist if any of your medicines cause dry mouth.
Decay can form beneath fillings or other restorations, such as crowns. Sometimes, bacteria and food particles can slip into a tooth if a filling hasn't been placed properly or if the filling cracks or pulls away from the tooth, leaving a gap.
Do you or your family members get cavities frequently? Dental research has identified factors that increase your risk of getting decay. Next time you visit the dental office, ask about your risk factors and discuss the best ways to reduce your risks and limit dental decay.
Fluoride strengthens teeth by penetrating the tooth structure and replacing lost minerals to repair acid damage. Everyone should brush with a fluoride toothpaste every day. Dental offices sometimes recommend additional toothpastes, gels and mouthrinses for both children and adults.
Sealants are protective coatings placed over the tops of chewing teeth molars and premolars. They block bacteria and acids from sticking in the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of these teeth. Children should get sealants soon after their teeth erupt into the mouth.
Although you can never get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth, you can control bacteria by brushing regularly and flossing daily, seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for a thorough cleaning and check-up, and reducing the number of times each day that you consume fermentable carbohydrates.
Some prescription mouthwashes (those that contain chlorhexidine) can help prevent decay by reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth. Chewing sugarless gums, especially those with xylitol, can help reduce decay and increase the flow of saliva.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 21 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestEd Acosta
2 years ago
I highly recommend Dr Sirotnik. The staff if very professional and welcoming. They take the time to get to know their patients. No better place that I have experienced.
Ed Acosta
3 years ago
I highly recommend Dr Sirotnik. The staff if very professional and welcoming. They take the time to get to know their patients. No better place that I have experienced.
Sandra Brior
3 years ago
This dental office makes you feel like family instead of a patient. Staff is great and Dr Sirotnik is the best. I would not go anywhere else. Please give him a try, you won't regret it.
Michael Harris
3 years ago
Like most, I have never really liked going to the dentist. However, Dr. Sirotnik and his staff are the exception. They are alwayshelpful, friendly and knowledgable. I always leave feeling like they did what is right for me. I would definately recommend, and even encourage you to use this dentist.
Kerry Pendergast
3 years ago
I have been going to Dr. Sirotnik for 30 years + so that should tell you all you need to know about my experience(s) with him. He is a very caring and compassionate dentist, who truly cares about his patients. I highly recommend him!
Teri Wyatts
4 years ago
Not impressed
Sandra Brior
4 years ago
This dental office makes you feel like family instead of a patient. Staff is great and Dr Sirotnik is the best. I would not go anywhere else. Please give him a try, you won't regret it.
Michael Harris
4 years ago
Like most, I have never really liked going to the dentist. However, Dr. Sirotnik and his staff are the exception. They are alwayshelpful, friendly and knowledgable. I always leave feeling like they did what is right for me. I would definately recommend, and even encourage you to use this dentist.
Kerry Pendergast
4 years ago
I have been going to Dr. Sirotnik for 30 years + so that should tell you all you need to know about my experience(s) with him. He is a very caring and compassionate dentist, who truly cares about his patients. I highly recommend him!
rachell hartigan
4 years ago
I have been coming here for the last 9 years and this place has the BEST service. Everyone is very friendly and the dentist has a great sense of humor and makes the scary "dentist" much more enjoyable. The staff works with you and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else!
Teri Wyatts
4 years ago
Not impressed
Paulina Vargas
4 years ago
Well where do I start off , the staff is so nice and welcoming and don't get me started on Dr.Sirotnik he's one of the bestest dentist I've ever gone to he is nice and will respect any kind of decision you wanna make in your dental work! I went in to get my front 2 teeth done since they had been cracked for about 8 to 9 years and let me tell you my teeth now that I have crowns on them look so natural and I'm in love with them . His prices are so affordable and also accept care credit . Love this place and I will definitely continue to go ! You guys rock if anybody is looking to get any kind of dental work you NEED to try this place I promise you won't be disappointed
Ric Heffern
4 years ago
Dr.Sirotnik is a wonderful caring dentist with excellent skill. Over the years he has helped me in so many ways. He is meticulous about finding the source of any dental issue I've had and always does his best to make sure everything is perfect by reevaluating and addressing any concern. When my jaw and bite started causing me severe pain years ago due to TMJ and my jaw structure he helped me to see a specialist from Loma Linda who really improved my life with orthodontic and maxiofacial surgery. At one point I saw another dentist closer to my work after I moved out of Riverside, whom although had the newest technology and training left me with a lot of discomfort. As soon I went back and saw Dr Sirotnik he addressed all the issues the other dentist caused and I felt so well cared for. I even drive out of my way just to see him now that I live out of town. It goes without saying that I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a wonderful, intelligent, caring, skilled dentist who really does wonderful work.
Katie Huffman
4 years ago
I highly recommend Dr. Sirotnik and his entire office staff. He has been my dentist since I was a kid and I've never had any desire to go elsewhere. He is always friendly, thorough, and makes the experience as painless as possible. His staff is welcoming, helpful, and quick.
Kay Howe
4 years ago
We have had outstanding service from Dr. S. For over 15 years! Not only is his work excellent, he personal care and attention is a rare quality today. He is very ethical as well. I regret we didn't know about him earlier in our lives.
Maureen Johnson
4 years ago
FABULOUS DENTIST!!! THEY ARE HARD TO FIND !!! COME FROM THE OC AND LA. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. DR. SIROTNIK IS VERY THOROUGH AND SO IS HIS DENTAL HYGIENIST!!! MY FAMILY COME TO HIM FOR THE BEST DENTISTRY SERVICES!!!!!
CrustySockParty
4 years ago
Getting dental work done at Dr. Sirotnik's office is quick and painless. All of the staff is kind and friendly as well.
Juan Patino
4 years ago
Very nice people, friendly and very professional they are the best!
Toi Thibodeaux
4 years ago
Dr.Sirotnik is a great dentist with the skills to go with it. Over the past 10 years he and his staff have helped me with a variety of issues. I have referred him to at least 4 of my family members and a few of my co-workers who have all chosen to continue to see him as their primary dentist. Whenever I have an issue Dr. Sirotnik is always there to take care of it even on his days off, like a weekend emergency, because he actually cares about his patients. The dental office building is very old and could definitely use some updating. However, I could care less about the look of the old building, because the service I receive is top notch. The staff has worked with my insurance needs and always makes sure I am taken care of like family. I highly recommend seeing Dr. Sirotnik and any of his office staff for any and all of your dental needs.
Tom Comstock
4 years ago
The best dentist I ever had! Doc Sirotnik has been around a long time and knows his stuff. He has a great staff. Great communication and followup. Procedures are explained and he listens to your requests. Oh and his pricing is very reasonable. I highly recommend him to everyone.
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