Roland G. Chew, DDS
510-793-0300
kim_drrolanddds@sbcglobal.net
Quick Reference
How Cavities Get Started
In science classes we learned that acid is a dangerous substance. The acids in our mouth are no different; they 're a primary cause of tooth decay, also called cavities.
The enemy in the fight to prevent cavities is plaque. Plaque is the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth.
It isn't easy to see plaque, but look at how it shows up after we've stained it with red dye.
If you don't remove the plaque every day, the germs in your mouth produce acid that can eventually create a hole in your tooth. That's what a cavity is: a small hole in the outer layer of your tooth.
That hard outer layer of your tooth is called the enamel. Inside the enamel is a softer layer called the dentin. Once a cavity gets through the hard outer enamel and reaches the softer dentin, it can grow very quickly. That's why it's so important to have regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can find the cavity and fix your tooth while the cavity is still small and only in the outer enamel layer.
How does your dentist fix your tooth? He simply removes the decay and replaces it with a filling. Fillings are a great solution when you have a cavity, but it's much better not to get the cavity in the first place. So floss and brush daily to to keep plaque off your teeth.