Dental Cavities & Dental Fillings

What causes dental cavities and tooth decay?

Tooth decay, known as dental cavities, is an oral disease affecting many people. Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form a sticky substance called plaque. This plaque combines with the sugary and starchy foods you eat and produces acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or removing the minerals from the enamel, which weakens the teeth and leads to tooth decay. Tooth decay is not life threatening and is highly preventable.

What types of foods may contribute to creating dental cavities?

Foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, and cake contribute to tooth decay. Even some fruits, vegetables and juices, may help to create cavities.

Can dental cavities be prevented?

The acids formed by plaque can be neutralized by the saliva in your mouth. Your saliva acts as a buffer and re-mineralizing agent to help your teeth. Dentists often recommend chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow. But, the best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss regularly. Fluoride, a natural substance that also helps to re-mineralize the tooth structure, makes the tooth more resistant to the acids and helps to correct damage produced by the plaque bacteria. Fluoride is often added to toothpaste and water sources to help fight cavities. Your dentist may recommend using special high concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses or fluoride supplements. In addition, tooth sealants may be recommended.

Who is at risk for dental cavities?

We all carry bacteria in our mouths, which makes everyone is at risk for cavities. Those with a diet high in carbohydrates and sugary foods and those who live in cities without fluoridated water are likely candidates for cavities. Also, those with a lot of fillings have a higher chance of developing tooth decay because the area around the restored portion of a tooth is a good breeding ground for bacteria. In general, children and senior citizens are the two groups at the highest risk for cavities.

What can I do to help protect my teeth and prevent dental cavities?

Cut down on sweets and between-meal snacks. Remember, sugary and starchy foods put your teeth at risk.
Brush after every meal and floss daily. Cavities most often begin in hard-to clean areas between the teeth and in the fissures and pits on the biting surfaces of the teeth. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush inside, outside, on top of, and in between your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every few months. Don’t wait for your dentist’s visit to receive a new one. Buy toothpastes and rinses that contain fluoride.
See your dentist at least every six months for checkups and professional cleanings. Because cavities can be difficult to detect, a thorough dental examination is very important. If left untreated, cavities can lead to permanent loss of the tooth structure, root canal therapy, and even loss of the tooth.

What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are "invisible" and virtually undetectable, unlike silver / amalgam fillings. Tooth colored fillings come in many shades and are matched to your individual tooth color. Often, a different material is used for front and back teeth. The materials used for front teeth have a high shine, and materials for back teeth are designed for strength and durability.