Colonial Dental Group Cosmetic Dentistry Blog - Dooley, Lewis, and Quezada
Sunday, March 16, 2008
What Causes Cavities?
Those dreaded cavities seem to pop up even when we have been brushing and flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly. So, what's going on? Why do some people who brush all the time get them, and others who are not so diligent go years with no problems?
Bacteria Affects Everyone
Bacteria affect different people's teeth and gums in many different ways. Many times, I see patients who have a tendency to develop cavities quickly, much like their parents did. And then there are those patients who seem to be able to eat all the sugar they want with no consequences. But, if left to linger, bacteria in the mouth will eventually turn the food (or drink) particles in our mouth into acid. In time, this acid will wear away at our precious enamel.
How Cavities Form
When the bacteria, acid and food particles combine with our saliva, the sticky substance plaque will build-up, and will slowly erode the enamel. If this slow deterioration is not caught in time, the acid can work its way through the enamel and cause damage to the tooth root, nerves and pulp. Here, root canal or tooth extraction may be the only option.
The moral of the story is: Visit your dentist twice a year so that any cavity formation can be caught early and stopped in its tracks with a porcelain filling, onlay or inlay, or porcelain crown before it has a chance to cause irreparable damage. Also, if you experience any pain or sensitivity, schedule a dental visit right away.
Please contact my office today to schedule your appointment to learn more about decay and how it affects your oral health.
Bacteria Affects Everyone
Bacteria affect different people's teeth and gums in many different ways. Many times, I see patients who have a tendency to develop cavities quickly, much like their parents did. And then there are those patients who seem to be able to eat all the sugar they want with no consequences. But, if left to linger, bacteria in the mouth will eventually turn the food (or drink) particles in our mouth into acid. In time, this acid will wear away at our precious enamel.
How Cavities Form
When the bacteria, acid and food particles combine with our saliva, the sticky substance plaque will build-up, and will slowly erode the enamel. If this slow deterioration is not caught in time, the acid can work its way through the enamel and cause damage to the tooth root, nerves and pulp. Here, root canal or tooth extraction may be the only option.
The moral of the story is: Visit your dentist twice a year so that any cavity formation can be caught early and stopped in its tracks with a porcelain filling, onlay or inlay, or porcelain crown before it has a chance to cause irreparable damage. Also, if you experience any pain or sensitivity, schedule a dental visit right away.
Please contact my office today to schedule your appointment to learn more about decay and how it affects your oral health.
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Patti
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2:47 PM
1775 Glenview Rd.
Suite 107
Glenview, Illinois 60025-2969
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