How long cavities

After the enamel has been weakened, then the acids will start to erode through it. This forms a small to medium cavity that only affects the enamel. Cavities that only affect the enamel layer can usually be treated by placing a composite filling.

Directly below the enamel lies the dentin layer. If the acid continues to erode through the enamel, it will eventually reach the dentin. At this point, the cavity tends to grow in size. Therefore, cavities that affect the dentin layer usually need to be treated with larger fillings like inlays or onlays.

Below the dentin lies the innermost layer of the tooth known as the dental pulp. If the bacteria reaches the pulp layer, it will infect the inside of the tooth. Since the pulp is composed of blood vessels and nerves, a pulp infection will cause significant discomfort and pain. At this point, the only way to save the tooth is to perform a root canal to remove the infection.

In some cases, a pulp infection can continue to spread deeper into the tooth, moving from the pulp chamber into the tooth roots through the root canals. This usually results in an abscess that forms at the base of the tooth roots. You would think that all cavities hurt, but strangely enough, some shallow cavities hurt, and some deep ones do not. That is why dental exams every six months and periodic x rays are important, to prevent small cavities from reaching the nerve and requiring a root canal or removal.

Prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to teeth, make sure you talk to your dentist about the many new technologies available probiotics, liquid calcium, sealants, antibacterial mouth rinses and toothpaste with and without fluoride as well as flossing and brushing methods that preserve teeth and prevent cavities.

For further information on keeping your mouth healthy and pain free, call Dr. Chris Battaglia found Dr. Korwin after several years of neglecting dentistry.

Other people also share your fear, but if you let the dentist know before you start that you have dental anxiety they can better help you to make the experience less fear-inducing and help you relax. In most cases, cavities are treated through the use of fillings. The decay will then be removed and filled in with a material to replace the decayed area. This used to be silver or gold, nowadays though this is more commonly natural-looking resin or porcelain that is much less noticeable.

One one side, we have the bad bacteria in your mouth that live to feed on food residue containing your dietary sugar and starches.

Today, we want to talk about how a cavity forms and how you can defend yourself from cavity-causing bacteria. Your tooth enamel may be the hardest surface in your body, but it is not invincible.

Holes, called cavities, form when acids in your mouth gradually weaken and wear away your tooth enamel. The bad bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches and produce these acids as a by-product.