Cavities are one of the most common diseases humans have. In fact, skeletons have been found with cavities from tens of thousands of years ago! If you have never had a cavity before, you may not know what they feel like or what they look like. Here is a little information about what happens when a cavity forms and how dentists treat cavities.
Cavities Are a Disease
Cavities are a disease that is caused by bacteria. Bacteria cause many diseases in the human body, such as strep throat, ear infections, and pneumonia. The bacteria that cause tooth decay are present in your mouth all the time, and most of the time, they are helpful. The bacteria in your mouth help you break down food to aid in digestion.
However, if you have a lot of bacteria in your mouth, they can cause cavities. The bacteria cling to your teeth until you brush them away. If the bacteria stay on your teeth long enough, the acids in the bacteria will begin to eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Enamel is the white outer shell of your teeth. When the acids eat away at your teeth, they create a hole, or cavity, in your tooth.
What Should I Do?
In most cases, you will not feel the cavity on your tooth. Most people do not find out they have a cavity until they go to the dentist. Dentists can see the cavity during your dental exam or on an x-ray. If you do have pain in one of your teeth, there is a chance the cavity has eaten away at the outer shell of your tooth until it has reached the center, which is full of nerves that can cause pain.
One of the best ways you can make sure your teeth stay cavity-free is to brush your teeth, floss twice a day, and make regular visits to our dentist. That way, you can keep your teeth cavity-free.
Dentist Pontotoc, MS | About South Main Dental At South Main Dental, we always strive toward excellence, providing dental services in a comfortable and caring atmosphere and respecting our patients' time. South Main Dental, 209 S. Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863-3319 ~ 662-489-7768 ~ southmainsmiles.com ~ 3/15/2025 ~ Page Terms:dentist Pontotoc MS ~
Cavities are one of the most common diseases humans have. In fact, skeletons have been found with cavities from tens of thousands of years ago! If you have never had a cavity before, you may not know what they feel like or what they look like. Here is a little information about what happens when a cavity forms and how dentists treat cavities. 