Why Do You Have a Cavity?

May 20, 2016

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 4:40 pm

You do everything you’re supposed to do in order to take care of your teeth. Every morning and night you brush with fluoride toothpaste, and you floss between your teeth at least once a day. And your family dentist in Bonita Springs, FL is glad to see you for your dental cleanings and exams every six months. So, why do you have a cavity now?

All day and all night your teeth are exposed to bacteria. Some of the bacteria in your mouth are quite good and essential for a healthy mouth and digestion. There are other bacteria, however—usually the kind that love to feast on the sugar and carbohydrates that are in many foods we eat—that excrete acids. If these bacteria and the toxins they produce are not removed in a timely manner, then they can begin to cause a cavity.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is actually a small hole in the enamel of a tooth. Even if you brush regularly and see your dentist in Bonita Springs twice a year, you may still get a cavity. Cavities, also called dental caries, most often develop in the pits of molars where bacterial plaque is more likely to stick. However, cavities can also form between teeth and on the root surfaces of your teeth.

How is a Cavity Repaired?

At Pelican Landing Dental, our dentists repair cavities with tooth-colored fillings. Made of composite resin material, these fillings don’t only look much better than amalgam fillings. They are also stronger and better for your teeth. Amalgam fillings merely rest within the drilled out portion of a decayed tooth. A filling made of composite resin, on the other hand, actually bonds with your remaining tooth structure. Thus, your tooth is made stronger with a tooth-colored filling.

What Else Can I Do to Avoid Cavities?

In addition to regular brushing and flossing as well as biannual checkups, there are other things that your Bonita Springs family dentist recommends to help prevent cavities:

  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary foods and snacks. If you do eat sweets, try to enjoy them with a meal.
  • Use a soft bristle toothbrush and change it out every three or four months. The new the bristles, the better they are at removing plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth.
  • Drink water instead of fruit juices and soda, which can both contribute to tooth decay.

Call Our Office Today

If it’s time for your regular checkup with the family dentist in Bonita Springs, FL, then call Pelican Landing Dental. We’re happy to care for you and your family’s dental needs.

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