Smile Services

Cavities

It Starts With Bacteria...

Thousands of bacteria live in your mouth, and most of them are beneficial. But a few are harmful, including the streptococcus mutans bacterium, the one responsible for tooth decay. These bacteria thrive in plaque, a sticky film that's constantly forming on your teeth.

Add Starches, and the process begins..

The S. mutans bacteria feast on starches in your mouth, then produce an acid that dissolves tooth enamel, until eventually you have a hole on the surface of your tooth(cavity). The only way to stop the decay process is for us to remove the decay and put in a filling material.

The GOOD News

When you brush and floss properly, you're removing the plaque from your teeth, leaving little for bacteria to eat. As a result their growth is slowed, and they don't produce the acids that lead to tooth decay. This is why it's important to remove the plaque from your teeth each day.

If you have any other questions, ask us for more information.