Every tooth is covered by a hard, protective outer layer called enamel. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. These bacteria feed on the sugars and starches left behind after meals and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you don’t remove the plaque on your teeth, it will build up and the acids will continue to eat away at your enamel. This is when cavities can form.
Cavities (or caries) are little holes that form in the enamel. If left untreated, a cavity will grow, and eventually, bacteria can get into the soft tissue of the inner tooth. That can lead to pain, infection and more serious treatment, such as a root canal.
That’s why regular dental check-ups are important. Your dentist can spot a cavity when it’s small and stop it from getting bigger by giving you a filling.
Information as per the ODA https://www.oda.ca/oral-health-basics/oral-conditions-diseases/cavities-tooth-decay/
Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski Dental | Brampton Dental Office
2 Philosopher's Trail, Unit 1, Brampton Ontario L6S 4C9
905-458-6620
dr.elizabeth.dimovski@bellnet.ca