Counting Cavities

Destruction of the tooth structure is tooth decay; what occur are cavities. Tooth decay attacks two areas of the tooth, your enamel and the inner layer of the tooth called the dentin. So what causes tooth decay? Sugars and starches or carbohydrates are the main contributors with foods such as candy, cakes, cookies, soda, cereals and even milk, bread and fruits. Your mouth hosts bacteria which sits in your mouth and turns these foods into acids with remaining food debris and saliva to form what you know as plaque. Plaque clings to teeth and starts breaking down the surface of the teeth. Those holes are known as cavities.

Cavities are not just found in children, adults can get them as well. Gingivitis or gum disease can give way to making tooth roots more susceptible for plaque to attack. Minimizing the intake of sweets can combat this to some degree, but brushing and flossing are always the best defense. If you have ever received a filling, check to make sure that there are no fractures. Toothaches are typically advanced stages of tooth decay. Sweet, hot, cold, and spicy foods can make the teeth overly sensitive when having tooth decay.

If tooth decay is not extensive, there are a number of options that that could reverse or remedy the level of tooth decay a person may have. Your dental doctor will always be able to find any cavities upon checkup and provide you with sound advice in maintaining a healthy mouth.