Many adults wrongly assume that only children can get cavities, as they are still developing good oral hygiene habits to fight against tooth decay. However, as you age, changes occur in your mouth, like gum recession or the fracture of old dental fillings, that can cause cavities in adults as well. Your
Ocean general dentist, Dr. Marc Berley can discover cavities during regular dental check-ups and examinations, which should take place twice annually. If the surface of your tooth feels soft when probed with a dental instrument, you may be experiencing tooth decay. Dental x-rays will often show cavities before they become visible to the eye. Cavities typically do not have any symptoms, until they reach an advanced stage of tooth decay which may cause a toothache, particularly while eating or drinking.
A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay. Tooth decay encompasses the destruction and deterioration of the tooth structure, affecting the enamel and the dentin. Cavities are created when bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque which clings to teeth. If plaque is not cleaned away from teeth, it will dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth.
The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene, including brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. When you visit Dr. Marc Berley for a dental cleaning, his dental hygienists may advise you on proper brushing and flossing techniques after the examination. Following their instructions can be crucial in cavity control. Additionally, your body's own saliva is also an excellent cavity fighter, because it contains special chemicals that rinse away many harmful materials, like food debris that is left behind after a brushing. Chewing a good sugarless gum will stimulate saliva production between brushing. Your
Ocean general dentist may recommend dental sealants if your back teeth, specifically your molars, have deep grooves and depressions where bacteria may gather. Sealants offer a protective layer between your enamel and food particles, decreasing your risk for cavities immensely.
Ocean Family Dentist
1205 HWY 35 N
Ocean, NJ 07712
732-686-6500
