Cavities & Fillings

Cavities and tooth decay are one of the most common health problems around the world. Tooth decay can affect both the outer coating of a tooth (called enamel) and the inner layer (called dentin). What creates a cavity? According to WebMD, “When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, fruit, cake, or candy stay on your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth turn them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities.”

Once a cavity is discovered, a filling will restore a tooth damaged by decay. It returns the tooth to a normal shape and function. Fillings can be made from the following: gold, porcelain, a composite resin (tooth-colored) or other alloys.