It is no fun to go to the dentist and find out that you have a cavity.  You brush regularly and do regular check ups but remember cavities are not just for kids!

A cavity is simple the decay of areas on a tooth.

Repairing a cavity involves removing the decayed area and replacing the decayed area with a man made compound. So how can you avoid getting a cavity? Well lets see what causes tooth decay that leads to a cavity.

The Cause and Effects
A mouth that is healthy will have “good bacteria” the reduces bad acids and helps clean up left over food partials. Combined with your saliva, the good bacteria helps strengthen your teeth by producing protective minerals that can prevent tooth decay.

Plaque, which is made from mucus mixed with decaying food and harmful bacteria, can reduce the effectiveness of the good bacteria. Plaque builds up on the tooth and the bad bacteria creates acid that eats away at the tooth’s protective enamel. Once through the tooth and enamel, it finds it way to the dentin where nerves and blood vessels are exposed which leads to pain in the tooth and even worse, it could kill the tooth and lead to a root canal.

The Cure
Food and drinks that are high in sugar and starches are the leading contributors to cavities. Brushing regularly after meal along with flossing can help prevent tooth decay. Mouthwashes with fluoride, can help reduce harmful bacteria and replenish the minerals your teeth need. The most important part of the cure, see your dentist at least twice a year for a full cleaning and oral exam.

By visiting our office, we can see if problems might be occurring that could lead to a cavity. Done professionally, Dr. Layton can provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants that can help prevent tooth decay. It’s better to catch cavities early to prevent expensive damages and unwanted pain.