Cavities

Danelle Fournier, DMD

Every morning you get up, wash your face and brush your teeth. Why do you brush your teeth every day if not twice a day? It is to avoid cavities. No one wants to hear that they have cavities when they go to their dentist appointment.

Teeth are made up of the hardest substance in the body. Under the gum line cementum covers the tooth roots. Under the cementum is dentin. Dentin is a strong bone-like substance that contains nerve endings. Under the layer of dentin are vascular tissue called the dental pulp. The pulp gives nourishment to the tooth as it grows. After the tooth has matured, the dental pulp lets you know if the tooth is damaged. It does this by transmitting pain.

Cavities are holes that develop in the teeth. These holes are caused by plaque. Plaque is made up of bacteria that cause teeth to decay. When the bacteria come into contact with carbohydrates they form an acid that can eat away at the enamel of the teeth. If left alone, these acids will continue to eat away at the tooth and cause the tooth to decay. As the tooth decays all the way down to the nerve endings in the dental pulp, the tooth begins to ache.

During your scheduled dental appointment, Danelle Fournier, DMD will look at your teeth and take x-rays. If a cavity is found, first the decayed part will be removed. Then the remaining hole will be filled with a dental filling to prevent further decay. Fillings can be made out of various materials. What is available to you will depend on the size and location of your cavity. Ask about your options so you can make an informed decision.

You can help prevent cavities by brushing your teeth after every meal with fluoride toothpaste. Though it can be a temptation to skip nighttime brushing, don’t. Brush away food and bacteria before bed so it does not have time to multiply while you sleep. Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue every time you brush. Flossing and limiting sugar can also keep bacteria from taking hold and growing.

It takes a while for decay to work from the enamel to the dental pulp so don’t wait till you feel pain before you see a dentist. It is much easier to treat a cavity before it causes pain. Schedule regular appointments every six months with Danelle Fournier, DMD. This is your best defense against cavities and tooth decay. If you experience any pain call (610) 279-0363 to schedule an immediate appointment.

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