Dr. Carol Waldman and her team at Cosmetic Dentistry in Toronto offer a variety of dental and orthodontic proceedures. Whether it is a general checkup, or cosmetic surgery, they have the trained professionals to help! Visit Waldman Carol Dr 808 York Mills Rd Toronto, ON M3B 1X8, call (416) 445-6000 or visit their website http://cosmeticdentistry.net/.

1. WHAT YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT DENTAL
CAVITIES

2. Your teeth are the hardest substances in your body,
and are crucial for breaking down the foods you eat and
for helping you speak clearly. The different parts of
your teeth include:
• Enamel
• Dentin
• Pulp
Your teeth can experience many issues, but cavities are
the most common, and one of the easiest to prevent.

3. What Is a Cavity?
Dental cavities, also known as a dental caries happen
when your tooth or teeth decay and start to break down.
Cavities are holes in the surface of your teeth that can
end up growing larger and deeper if not addressed.
This is one reason why regular trips to the dentist are so
important.

4. What Causes Cavities?
Cavities has several possible causes, including:
• Location - molars and premolars are more susceptible.
• Sticky food and beverages - like soft drinks, table
sugar, milk, raisins, cookies and cakes that aren't
easily washed away by saliva can cause a problem.
• Poor brushing & flossing habits - plaque will form if it
isn't removed
• Age - younger children and older adults are more
susceptible to cavities.

5. Causes cont…
• Dry mouth - this condition is from a lack of saliva, and
can lead to increased plaque build up because it isn't
washed away naturally.
• Older fillings - as fillings get older and weaker, plaque
can form around or underneath your old fillings.
• Eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia may result in
tooth erosion and cavities.

6. How to Know If You Have a Cavity
The best way to know if you have a cavity is through a
check up at your dentist's office. Finding cavities is one
of the dentist's jobs, so you can be sure they'll be find if
you don't notice any symptoms or they are hidden.
Some signs that you might notice include:
• Tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hold or cold
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth

7. Common Cavity Treatments
Cavity treatments may vary depending on the severity
of the cavity. For a smaller cavity, that portion is drilled
into a removed, replaced with a filling. Many modern
fillings are white and virtually unnoticeable.
If the decay is more extensive, crowns that cover the
tooth will be used. If the decay damages the nerves or
pulp under the tooth, a root canal may have to be
performed. A sedation dentist will be required in this
situation to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
New products and techniques are also being worked on
all the time.

8. Untreated Cavity Complications
Some of the potential complications from untreated
cavities include:
• Tooth loss
• Tooth abscesses
• Infections
• Broken teeth
• Chewing issues
• Pain that disrupts your daily routine

9. Cavity Prevention
The easiest way to deal with the whole cavity issue is to
prevent them in the first place. Here are some tips:
• Regular brushing and flossing (at least twice a day)
• Using a fluoride toothpaste
• Brush your gums gently each day
• Limit your intake of sugary drinks
• Drink water with meals when possible
• Visit the dental hygienist regularly for cleanings

10. References
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-
cavities
WebMD
http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/cavity.html#
Kids Health
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cavities/DS00896/DS
ECTION=risk%2Dfactors
Mayo Clinic
http://www.cosmeticdentistry.net/
Dr. Carol Waldman