Cavities

A cavity occurs when bacteria penetrate your tooth and begin to destroy it.

Bacteria, normally present in the mouth, transform the sweet foods we eat into acids. The combination of bacteria, acids, food debris and saliva forms dental plaque. If this plaque is not removed by proper cleaning, the demineralization process begins. As the acids in plaque weaken and dissolve enamel, holes are created in the teeth. This is what we call tooth decay.

Cavities are generally painless until they approach the nerve or tooth center. This can cause a great deal of pain, and may require a root canal or extraction.

Do you feel pain when chewing? Are your teeth very sensitive? Do you see holes in your teeth? Do you have black or brown stains on your teeth? If so, you probably have a cavity. See your dentist as soon as possible!

We also know that tooth decay is an infection that can spread toxins throughout your body. Your overall health is important to us, which is why we take the treatment and prevention of your cavities very seriously.

Here are some of the questions we’ll be asking: What are your eating habits? Do you take any medication regularly? What are your brushing habits? Knowing the answers to these questions will help us treat the causes of tooth decay, so that you can return to full, lasting health.

Chewing sugar-free chewing gum after a meal helps neutralize plaque acids and reduces the risk of tooth decay.