What is tooth decay? Tooth decay is a type of destruction to the tooth's hard tissues (enamel, dentin, etc.) Tooth decay starts when acid slowly dissolves the minerals in the enamel layer of your teeth.  This forms “a demineralized area” that appears as a white or brown spot on the tooth’s surface.  This is the first visible sign of tooth decay.  It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, fruits and sugary foods are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods. Bacterial colonies build up over time and create a "plaque". This dental plaque sticks the teeth and must be mechanically removed with a toothbrush and toothpaste periodically. The bacteria produce acids as a result of their metabolic processes and over time these acids attack and destroy tooth enamel, resulting in a hole in the tooth called tooth decay ("cavities" or "caries").  The deeper a cavity is (the closer to the nerve) the higher the probability is for toothaches, more involved dental treatment and more costly dental bills.  This is why it is important to catch cavities early and treat them when they are small.

How Do I Prevent Tooth Decay?

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste bearing the ADA Seal of Approval, because fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.
• Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners.
• Eat nutritious, balanced meals and avoid between-meal snacking (particularly sugary foods between meals).
• Check with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens you teeth, and about the use of other preventative measures. Such as the use of "dental sealants" (a plastic-like protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from the ravages of decay.
•  When you can’t brush, rinse with water to help wash away food and bacteria. This also decreases the acids in your mouth and creates a healthier environment for your teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum to stimulate the flow of saliva.  Choose a gum sweetened with Xylitol, which inhibits bacteria causing decay. 
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and routine oral examinations.

Aren't Cavities Just Kid's Stuff?

No. Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose the unprotected tooth's roots to dental plaque and decay. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a much softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to hot/cold and to touch. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth root decay. Decay around the edges, or margins, of fillings is also common to older adults. Because many older adults lacked the benefits of fluoride and modern preventative dental care when they where growing up, they often have extensive amounts of restorative dental margins that increase the risk for recurrent decay. As we age saliva flow decreases and its buffering capacity to decrease acid concentration decreases. Medications can also affect salivary flow. This increases adults risk for cavity development. Also as we age teeth tend to get more brittle and are more susceptible to fracture from millions of chewing cycles the teeth have sustained over the years, particularly heavily filled teeth. Over the years, fillings may leak around the edges, often undetected until a problem develops. Fillings, particularly large fillings, have a tendency to weaken teeth and tend to fracture or break teeth. As the gums recede, the contours of the gums change shape, creating tiny crevices or depressions, which accumulate plaque and increase the risks of root decay and cavities between teeth.