Insights from NYC Periodontist Dr. Scott Kissel
Tooth decay is one of the most common—and most preventable—oral health problems in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 90% of adults have experienced at least one cavity, and 1 in 5 currently have untreated decay. While cavities may start small, if left untreated, they can lead to infection, tooth loss, and long-term oral health issues.
At NYC Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Scott Kissel helps patients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey take a proactive approach to oral health. Whether you’ve already had a cavity filled or want to prevent new decay from forming, our team provides advanced periodontal and restorative care to help you protect your smile for life.
Call our New York periodontist at 212-702-9088 to schedule your consultation and prevent minor dental concerns from turning into major oral health problems.
Why Tooth Decay Is So Common—Even in Adults
Tooth decay (also called dental caries) develops when plaque bacteria feed on sugars and starches in your diet, producing acids that erode enamel. Over time, this process creates tiny holes—or cavities—that grow larger without professional treatment.
Even diligent brushers can still develop decay. Common reasons include:
- Skipping dental cleanings or exams
- Brushing without fluoride toothpaste
- Irregular or incorrect flossing technique
- High-sugar or acidic diets (including soda, juice, and energy drinks)
- Dry mouth caused by medications or aging
- Receding gums exposing tooth roots
- Worn or broken restorations trapping bacteria
The good news: with consistent preventive care, tooth decay is entirely preventable—and most early lesions can even be reversed before they require a filling.
What Happens at a Preventive Dental Visit—and Why It Matters
Routine checkups are your first line of defense against tooth decay. During your visit to our NYC office, Dr. Kissel and our hygienists will:
- Remove plaque and tartar from teeth and below the gumline
- Assess your risk for cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion
- Take diagnostic imaging to identify early decay invisible to the naked eye
- Check previous fillings and crowns for wear or leakage
- Apply fluoride treatments or sealants for added protection
- Customize a hygiene plan for your home care routine
These proactive steps allow us to catch decay early—often before it causes pain, sensitivity, or visible damage.
What Happens When Decay Goes Untreated
Many patients assume that small cavities can wait—but untreated decay never stays small for long. Without professional care, cavities deepen and spread, leading to:
- Persistent tooth sensitivity
- Pain while chewing or biting
- Infection reaching the tooth’s nerve (requiring root canal therapy)
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Tooth loss and shifting alignment
Untreated decay is also one of the main contributors to periodontal (gum) disease, which affects nearly half of all adults over age 30. When plaque bacteria extend below the gumline, they can destroy the bone that supports your teeth—leading to tooth loss if not addressed.
Tooth Decay and Whole-Body Health: The Hidden Connection
Oral health is closely linked to your overall health. Bacteria from untreated decay can enter the bloodstream, contributing to chronic inflammation and systemic illness.
Studies from the American Heart Association and National Institutes of Health have shown strong links between poor oral hygiene and:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory infections
- Pregnancy complications
- Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease
Protecting your teeth means protecting your total health—and regular dental care is one of the easiest ways to lower these risks.
Early Warning Signs You May Have a Cavity
Cavities don’t always cause pain right away, but catching them early makes treatment simple and affordable.
Watch for these signs:
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or sweets
- Dark spots or holes in teeth
- Pain when biting down
- Food frequently gets stuck between teeth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms—or it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning—call 212-702-9088 to learn more from our NYC periodontist.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay and Protect Your Smile for Life
Preventing tooth decay doesn’t require complicated steps—just consistency and professional support. Here’s what Dr. Kissel recommends for lasting oral health:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
– Spend two minutes brushing with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride protection. - Floss once a day.
– It removes 40% of plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. - Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
– Sodas, sports drinks, and even fruit juices can erode enamel. - Stay hydrated.
– Water helps rinse bacteria and supports saliva, your mouth’s natural defense. - See your dentist and periodontist every six months.
– Regular cleanings prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. - Use fluoride or sealants as extra protection.
– These treatments are quick, painless, and highly effective against decay.
If Tooth Decay Has Already Caused Damage—We Can Help
If decay has advanced or caused tooth loss, Dr. Kissel offers several advanced treatment options to restore your smile’s health and appearance, including:
- Tooth-colored fillings for minor cavities
- Inlays, onlays, and crowns for larger restorations
- Periodontal therapy to treat infection and preserve bone health
- Dental implants to permanently replace missing teeth
- Full-mouth rehabilitation for patients with complex needs
With the right care plan, it’s possible to rebuild both function and aesthetics—and prevent future issues from returning.
Why Preventive Care Is the Best Investment
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), every $1 spent on preventive dental care can save up to $50 in future restorative treatment costs. Routine visits don’t just preserve your smile—they save time, money, and discomfort down the road.
By investing a few hours a year in professional cleanings and exams, you can maintain strong, healthy teeth for decades to come.
Reclaim Your Oral Health with NYC’s Trusted Periodontist
Even if you’ve had cavities in the past, it’s never too late to protect your smile for the future. With personalized prevention and advanced care, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, confident teeth.
At NYC Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Scott Kissel is dedicated to helping patients rebuild and preserve their oral health using evidence-based care and the latest technology. Whether you need help with dental sealants, decayed tooth tissue, or dental plaque, our team is here to help—without judgment.Call 212-702-9088 to schedule your New York dental consultation with Dr. Scott Kissel today. You can also request an appointment online. Protect your health—one visit at a time. We proudly serve patients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey. Healthy teeth are the foundation of a healthy life—let’s protect yours, one visit at a time.
