The Case For Cavities

Next to the common cold, cavities are the second-most common health disorder in the United States, as reported by the National Institute of Health. Though they can occur at any age, children and young adults are most susceptible to developing cavities, which are holes in teeth from bacteria and a diet high in sugar. To be clear, there are naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth. Yet, when an individual has poor oral and dental health, it becomes a problem.

To better understand how a cavity forms, consider again the presence of bacteria in a person with inconsistent oral health habits. As bacteria are allowed to remain on the surfaces of teeth and gums, they interact with food particles and saliva to form a sticky, colorless substance called plaque. If plaque is not removed within a few days, it hardens into tartar. Subsequently, bacteria from plaque and tartar team up to form an acidic substance that eats away tooth enamel. This process is called demineralization, and results in a soft spot or hole forming on the tooth. This is a cavity.

It's important to understand that all of this may occur without an individual knowing it. In other words, the process of a cavity forming does not cause pain. Yet, as the enamel continues to wear away, the acidic substance penetrates to the dentin, a softer layer of the tooth. The once-small hole or cavity grows larger, as bacteria continue to wreak havoc on the tooth, eventually reaching the tooth's pulp.

While dental fillings are the go-to treatment for repairing damage caused by cavities, more invasive treatments are needed when a tooth's pulp has become infected. In this case, root canal therapy is an option.

We'll Partner With You To Prevent Cavities!

At Lawrenceville Family Dental Care, we place a high value on preventative dentistry, including regular dental checkups and cleanings. Along with good oral care at home, this is the best way to combat the onset of cavities.

Are you ready to amp up your oral health? The team at Lawrenceville Family Dental Care is ready to partner with you to prevent cavities and experience optimal oral health. Call today!

Posted on behalf of Lawrenceville Family Dental Care