One problem can often lead to another. I think it’s safe to say that you would prefer to avoid as many problems as possible.

Tooth decay is one dental problem that can quickly escalate. Be aware that your risk of decay is high if certain factors are present.

Bacteria and food particles are top decay producers. But there’s good news.

Let’s talk saliva (Really, it’s important)

Your saliva is a natural cleansing element for your mouth. This is why dry mouth often causes many dental problems such as tooth decay.

Saliva keeps your mouth moist. It also rinses away food particles and potentially harmful bacteria.

It’s not uncommon for you to lose teeth if your dental problems resulting from dry mouth issues go untreated.

The reason?

Bacteria thrive in your mouth. Food particles, sugars, and starches that remain on your teeth are like a buffet-line for hungry bacteria.

Brushing and flossing clean your mouth and tooth surfaces. Between meals, saliva helps rinse your teeth of the particles left behind from your most recent meal or snack.

This is why dry mouth or a lack of saliva increases your risk of tooth damage from decay. In most instances a dental restoration is necessary to repair or replace your damaged teeth.

Dental implants and dry mouth

Dental implant treatment is recommended for tooth replacement however your tooth loss occurs. Implants are also a go-to solution even with complications from dry mouth that result in tooth loss from decay.

Treat your dry mouth although lacking saliva should not impact your teeth replaced with dental implants. The reason is that tooth decay isn’t common for implant restorations.

Yes, dental fillings and dental crowns provide an effective treatment for problems associated with decay. Also understand that the natural tooth beneath those restorations can still experience damaging decay.

Your dental implant is a natural-looking, artificial tooth replacement. The root (implant) and surface tooth structure (crown), each being artificial, are therefore immune to decay.

Dental implants look and function as your natural teeth. But they avoid the problems commonly associated with tooth decay.

Ask us about solutions for dry mouth. And in our Wayne dental office to discuss how dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for tooth damage or loss caused by decay.