Cavities

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is when bacteria gets inside your tooth and starts rotting and eating it away. It is actually an infection in your tooth, and we know this infection can spread toxins into your body. Cavities can cause systemic issues if that decay & infection is getting into your body. Your complete health is important to us, which is why we’re not all about “drilling and filling” and just managing your cavities.

We look at all of your risks and work to get you fully healthy. Some questions we’ll ask are: Why do you get cavities? Do you have any habits that can cause increased acidity in your mouth? What is your family history with regards to cavities? What does your nutrition and dietary intake look like?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help us address underlying causes of cavities so you can get back to complete health.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay usually occurs in children and young adults, but can affect anyone. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people. Bacteria is normally present in the mouth and changes food into acids. The combination of bacteria, acids, food debris, and saliva form plaque. If plaque is not removed by proper flossing and brushing, the decay process begins. As the acids in the plaque begin to weaken and dissolve the enamel, holes in the teeth are created. This is what we call cavities. Cavities are usually painless until they grow closer to the nerve or center of the tooth. If left untreated, that decay will destroy your tooth’s enamel, then the internal structure of the tooth. This can result in a lot of pain and require a root canal or extraction to treat.

How is Tooth Decay Diagnosed??

Decay is diagnosed in a number of ways, including:

Digital Radiography
Oral Examination
Transillumination

At Love Your Smile Today we are committed to keeping your teeth and your body healthy. We use the latest technology which allows us to detect decay in the earliest stages, saving and preserving precious enamel. When decay is detected, our doctors use only the best, most life-like materials to restore your teeth to health.