Fix Cavities In Chester Springs , PA

Tooth cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in the mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. Here’s a more detailed look at the process leading to cavities:

• Sugars and Starches: When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel, the hard surface of the tooth. This can happen with foods such as milk, soda, raisins, candy, cake, fruit juices, cereals, and bread.

• Enamel Decay: Over time, if plaque is not removed, it can harden , which makes it more difficult to remove and creates a shield for bacteria. As the enamel wears away, bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin. This layer is softer than enamel and less resistant to acid.

• Formation of a Cavity: As tooth decay develops, bacteria and acid continue to grow on  the teeth, moving next to the inner tooth material (pulp) that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes swollen and irritated from the bacteria. Because there’s no place for the swelling to expand inside a tooth, the nerve becomes pressed, causing pain. Complications can include severe toothache, infection, and tooth abscess.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque can hasten the cavity formation process. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day  and  flossing , helps remove plaque and prevent it from forming.