Cavities
Cavities (dental caries) are decayed areas in the teeth, the result of a process that gradually dissolves a tooth’s hard outer surface (enamel) and progresses toward the interior. Along with the common cold and gum disease, cavities are among the most common human afflictions. If cavities are not properly treated by a dentist, they continue to enlarge. Ultimately, an untreated cavity can lead to tooth loss. For tooth decay to develop, a tooth must be susceptible, acid-producing bacteria must be present, and food must be available for the bacteria to thrive. A susceptible tooth is one that has relatively little protective fluoride incorporated into the enamel or that has pronounced pits, grooves, or fissures that retain plaque. Poor oral hygiene that allows plaque and tartar to accumulate can accelerate this process. Although the mouth contains large numbers of bacteria, only certain types generate acid, which causes decay. The most common decay-causing bacterium is Streptococcus mutans.
