When decay is happening, your tooth is literally destructing.  The enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth, is wearing away.  It happens in children, teens or adults.  Plaque, the sticky bacteria, is always forming on the teeth.  When you eat foods that contain sugars, bacteria in the plaque will start to produce acids.  These acids start to attack the tooth enamel.  Because the plaque is so sticky, it keeps the acids in constant contact with your teeth and overtime causes the enamel to start to break down.  This is when a cavity forms. Dentist located in San Tan Valley AZ

Cavities tend to show up more in children, but also when changes star to occur with aging, cavities can become an adult problem, too.  Recession of the gums away from the teeth combined with gum disease can expose the tooth roots to plaque.  The roots are covered with a softer tissue known as cementum.  It is softer than enamel.  So the roots are susceptible to decay and are much more sensitive to touch and hold/cold.  It is very common for people over the age of 50 to have tooth-root decay. #smilewithconfidence

Decay that happens around the edges of fillings in also common in older adults.  Dentist located in San Tan Valley AZ  Many adults lacked the benefit of fluoride and also the modern preventive dental care when they were growing up.  They often have a number of dental fillings.  Over the years, the fillings can weaken and fracture.  Bacteria can start to accumulate in these small areas causing acid to build up, which leads to decay. 

If you are struggling with decay, give us a call at #martindental.