Dental Filling Services in Downey, CA

Your dental health is extremely important. When your teeth are properly taken care of they are less susceptible to dental issues and cavities. However, even keeping up with your at-home dental care cannot stop tooth decay. The professional dental staff at Dr. Puentes Dental Practice can provide you and your family with premium dental care that can only be found in Downey.

The Cause of Cavities

Tooth decay is caused by the reaction of saliva and acids in your mouth with sugar and starches that are deposited while eating and drinking. When this reaction occurs, these materials are transformed into what is commonly called plaque. This plaque sticks to teeth, creating a sticky film that eats away at tooth enamel and creates holes in teeth – cavities.

Fillings for Cavities

Once tooth decay is removed from the mouth, the area that was filled with decay is often left unstable. Dr. Puentes will need to apply a filling to the affected area so that the tooth will not be further damaged or continue to experience issues with bacteria and tooth decay.

Fillings use composite resin to fill in the empty space that is left in teeth after removing decay. This resin matches the natural color of teeth, so it will not be noticeable. If you have an older filling, Dr. Monica Puentes in can replace your filling.

Reduce Decay

Your teeth can be made less susceptible to cavities by proper care at home and with biannual visits to a dentist in your area. To reduce the amount of cavities and decay in teeth, there are a few steps you can follow.

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Brushing is an important part of your dental routine, as it removes bacteria and the leftover food that may be left in the mouth after eating or drinking.
• Decrease your sugar intake. Sugar and starch are the main cause of plaque. You can reduce the plaque on teeth, which reduces the amount of tooth decay, by simply consuming less sugar.
• Use ADA-approved toothpaste. This toothpaste is certified by the American Dental Association and has the ingredients to strengthen teeth and reduce plaque.