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15887 N. Cumberland Rd. Suite # 104 Noblesville, IN 46060(317) 770-4783
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What is Tooth Decay?

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Plaque is an insidious substance—a colorless, sticky film—that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.

Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.

Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay.  It can also cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed. Over time, the plaque underneath your gums may cause periodontal disease, which can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or dentin.  It can also destroy the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues, as well as the root. 

Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious condition occurs when the structures that support your teeth—the gums and bone—break down from the infection.  Pain, hypersensitivity and bleeding are some of the signs of periodontal disease.

Simple Preventative Measures

The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public drinking water contains fluoride, but if you are unsure of your water supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.

A good way to help your oral health between brushing is chewing sugarless gum; this stimulates your body's production of saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from your mouth.

In some cases, our office can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.


Learn More

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Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • General Dentistry
    • Fluoride
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    • Infection Control
    • Medication and Heart Disease
    • Latex Allergy
    • Age and Oral Health
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  • Tooth Care
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    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
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    • Fluoride Facts
    • Mouth Rinses
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    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
  • Dental Problems
    • Abscessed Tooth
    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
    • Canker/Cold Sores
    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    • Toothaches
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
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    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
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Our Location

15887 N. Cumberland Rd. Suite # 104
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 770-4783

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See what patients have to say about Dr. Ridder:

"Dr. Ridder is by far the most competent dentist I have gone to.  Highly recommended."

-Robert Ward, Indianapolis

"Dr. Ridder is now my favorite dentist ever and I've been to a few in Kokomo.  She is so kind, patient, and she takes a lot of time with you to make sure everything is perfect before you leave.  She has went above and beyond at each and every one of my visits."

-Amy Mcginnis, Kokomo

"She made sure that I was comfortable and had no pain or discomfort during my root canal.  I was extremely nervous and somehow she even had me laughing.  She knows what she's doing and she's very kind."

-Jennifer Stoll, Peru

Noblesville, IN Dentist Cumberland Pointe Dental N. Cumberland Rd., Suite 104 Noblesville, IN 46060 (317) 770-4783 Call For Pricing
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