A Healthy Smile for Life

Oral Health Basics

Cavities

Plaque & Tartar

Bad Breath

Sensitivity

Nutrition

Gum Disease

Cavities

What are cavities?
"Cavities" are another way of saying tooth decay. Tooth decay is heavily influenced by lifestyle, what you eat, how well you take care of our teeth, the presence of fluoride in your water and toothpaste. Heredity also plays a role in how susceptible your teeth may be to decay.

While cavities are generally more common among children, adults are also at risk. The types of cavities include:

• Coronal cavities: These are the most common type, occurring in both children and adults, they are usually located on chewing surfaces or between the teeth.
• Root cavities: These are more common as you get older as gums recede, leaving parts of the tooth root exposed. Since there is no enamel covering tooth roots, these exposed areas easily decay.
• Decay can form around existing fillings and crowns because these areas can accumulate plaque.

Adults are especially at risk from cavities if they suffer from dry mouth, a condition that results from a lack of saliva. Dry mouth may be caused by illness, medications, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and may be either temporary (days to months) or permanent, depending on its cause.

Cavities are most likely to develop in pits on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, in between teeth and near the gum line. But regardless of where they occur, the best way to spot them and treat them before they become serious is by visiting your dentist regularly for checkups.

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