Back to Basics: The Cavity

Dr. Noel, Dentists Always Talk About Cavities. What Exactly Are They?

Cavities are a result of tooth decay, which effects both the outer and inner layers. The outer coating is called enamel. The inner layer is called dentin. Tooth decay is caused when the simple carbohydrates that we eat are digested by the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths. Examples of simple carbohydrates include refined bread, sugary cereals, fruit, cake and candy. When the bacteria digest these carbohydrates, they release acids. The bacteria and the acids, along with left over food debris and saliva combine in your mouth to form plaque. Plaque sticks to your teeth, exposing them to the harmful acids. Overtime, the acids dissolve the outer layer of the tooth (enamel). This creates a hole in your tooth, called a cavity.

Why Are Cavities Bad?

A whole in the tooth exposes the tooth to the harmful substances in your mouth. If the cavity grows deep enough, the acids can enter it and can ware away the inner layer of the tooth (dentin). This layer of the tooth surrounds the vein and nerves. If the dentin wares away, the bacteria can access the veins and nerves and cause an infection. The infection can then cause an abscess, requiring either a root canal or the complete removal of the tooth.

Dr. Noel, That Sounds Awful! How Do I Avoid This?

COME SEE ME! My team and I can check your mouth for cavities! We can then take concrete action steps to help stop them! We can fill the cavities and give you tips to avoid getting new ones.

Dr. Noel, I HATE Needles. I Am Too Afraid To Get Anesthesia. What Can You Do?

Don’t worry. I make sure I keep up with the newest and best technology to accommodate all of my patients. I have something called the Solea Laser. This tool allows me to fill your cavities without you needing anesthesia. That’s right! No Needle.

That Is Amazing! Do You Have Any Cavity Prevention Tips?

Sure thing! Make sure that you are brushing your teeth AT LEAST twice per day. Food debris from the day can remain in your mouth for hours, giving it more time to form plaque and cause damage. Brushing your teeth before bed not only removed the food debris, but it also removes harmful plaque. If you really want to prevent cavities, you can try brushing your teeth after each meal!

Floss! Flossing helps to remove plaque from the places that brushing can’t reach, such as in between your teeth!

Limit simple carbohydrates in your diet. Foods like candy, ice cream, soda, chocolate sauce, and highly processed nut butters/spreads are higher in sugar, feeding the bacteria in your mouth. They are also sticky, making it more likely to have more food debris.