Cavities are damage to the tooth's inner layers. A cavity starts with compromising the enamel of your tooth. When we eat carbohydrates and sugars a film is created on the teeth called plaque. If plaque is not removed with thorough brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist in Marietta, Ga. the bacteria it contains begins to erode the teeth, creating a cavity. A cavity, if left unchecked, gives bacteria an even better place to become trapped and wear at your tooth. As the cavity deepens it make its way through the enamel layer and the dentin, eventually reaching the pulp. Once it reaches the pulp it becomes quite painful and destructive. At this point your cavity may require your Marietta dentist to perform expensive treatments such as a root canal.
Cavities can be avoided by limiting foods that contain refined carbohydrates and a lot of sugar, for instance soft drinks. Interestingly enough, even though we have made remarkable advances in dental care, we suffer from cavities and other forms of dental disease more than any other time in history. This change can be attributed to our evolving diet because when humans used to rely exclusively on fresh meats, fruits and vegetables our teeth were healthier. As we became more industrialized, we started to eat more processed foods, which in turn has caused a variety of health issues over time.Regular visits to your Marietta dentist for cleanings and evaluation will help you avoid cavities by removing plaque from your teeth and also identifying damage early so that cavities can be filled and bacteria can no longer grow. Eating properly and drinking plenty of water is also important. Parents should work to teach their children good dental hygiene habits to avoid early damage to their developing teeth.Learning proper brushing and flossing techniques are your best defense against the development of cavities. Schedule regular check-ups at East Cobb Dentistry and we will provide you with tips on how to best care for your teeth.