Have you ever visited your dentist and been told that you have a cavity? Have you ever wondered how these cavities could have formed? Would you be surprised to learn that cavities form in stages, or that you may be able to reverse the issue before it becomes too severe?
You see, when you eat, your smile will be exposed to the plaque. This can weaken the outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel. Brushing and flossing are important to keeping plaque and bad bacteria off of your teeth, but even if you care for your teeth well, your enamel could be damaged. If your enamel is damaged, you might notice white spots on your teeth. Fortunately, this issue is reversible. However, if you don’t stop enamel decay, it could continue to spread. Once this happens, you’ll need to have the cavity filled by a dentist.
Your decay can also spread into your dentin, which is a soft layer beneath your enamel. Tooth decay can also spread to your pulp, which can affect connective tissue and your nerves. If this happens, you may need root canal therapy to address the issue. Sadly, decay can spread farther and ultimately affect the bone that holds your teeth in place.
You can usually avoid this problem by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and scheduling regular appointments with our team. If you’re interested in learning more about the stages of tooth decay in Berlin, New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to give our dental office a call at 856-767-0053. Our dentist, Dr. Richard J. Gawarzewski, and our team are excited to hear from you soon.