Cavities and Tooth Decay

Protect your beautiful smile with regular dental checkups in The Woodlands, TX.

Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common dental concern for most patients. If consulted in time, Dr. Dawn Gayken, DDS, PLLC and her caring staff can correct these problems before they turn into more serious issues. When cavities are allowed to go untreated, they often result in a tooth abscess, or infection, that may require a root canal. As a full-service dentist located conveniently in The Woodlands, Texas, our office can solve any dental problem from the smallest cavity to complete root canals.

Dr. Gayken Helps Patients Fight Tooth Decay

A cavity forms when the tooth's enamel is exposed to sugar-rich foods like soda, candy, and even dairy products like milk. While no one can completely avoid these food products, forgetting to brush and floss on a regular basis allows plaque-causing bacteria to form inside the mouth. The plaque and food particles create harmful acids that break down tooth enamel eventually leading to cavities. To do your part to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, brush and floss regularly and visit our office for professional cleanings and regular checkups at least twice a year.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Allowing your child to bottle feed while sleeping can lead to a dangerous condition known as baby bottle tooth decay. Not only can this affect your child's primary teeth before they even appear, it can also prevent the proper formation of the permanent teeth. To protect your children's teeth, never allow them to bottle feed while sleeping, encourage toddler's to drink from a cup as early as possible, and take advantage of special sealants and varnishes designed to protect teeth from plaque.

Always brush your baby's teeth or at least polish them with cotton gauze to remove plaque. Tooth paste is not recommended for young children.