How does a dental cavity happen? Leawood Kansas City

How does a dental cavity happen?

A great, and often asked question. The answer… bacteria live in our mouths. Just like us, bacteria need food to survive and what goes in, must come out. Carbs and sugar are delicious. Bacteria think so too. They eat our leftover sugar and carbs and churn out acid on the back end.

This acid eats away at our teeth, making more tasty food for the bacteria to eat. But, if we brush and floss, we can decrease the acid they produce to keep the bacteria at bay.

Is it true that some people are just more prone to getting cavities?

This is a tough question. The bacteria that cause cavities are a particular breed. Some people are born with more of this kind of bacteria, making it more difficult for them to prevent cavities. So, just like other diseases that you are at a higher risk for genetically, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, cavities are no different.

How do you fix a dental cavity?

First, your dentist will remove the bacteria and damaged portion of your tooth. The amount of damage determines the best treatment to repair your tooth. Sometimes it is as easy as a tooth colored filling, while other times the nerve of your tooth may be involved leading to a root canal and crown.

Dental cavities