Thursday, February 4, 2010

What Is A Cavity??


A cavity develops when a tooth decays or breaks down. It is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are also called dental caries, and if you have one it's important to get it repaired.

Plaque is the beginning of a cavity. It is a sticky, slimy substance made up mostly of the germs that cause tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth make acids and when plaque clings to your teeth, the acids can eat away at the enamel.

If not taken care of, acids can continue to make their way through the enamel and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay. A cavity will eventually decay all the way inside a tooth, where the nerve endings are. Ouch!

Proper brushing and flossing are methods of prevention against cavities as well as regular dental check ups. Make sure you see your dentist at least every six months.

Source & Citation
http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/cavity.html

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