Cavities, also known in the dental world as tooth decay, is when the enamel of the tooth begins to be compromised.  The enamel is the hard, outer layer of the tooth.  Tooth decay can be an issue for any age; child, teenager, or adult.  Plaque, the sticky substance, is every forming on your teeth.  When you eat things that contain sugars, the bacteria in plaque starts to produce acid.  And it is this acid that attacks the tooth enamel. Queen Creek AZ Dental Care Near Me  Because plaque is so sticky, it keeps the acid in constant contact with the teeth and overtime, causes the enamel to break down.  This is when a cavity forms.  A cavity is a hole, big or small, that forms in your tooth. #martindental

Children deal with cavities more often than adults, but changes that happen while aging can make cavities and adult problem, too.  When the gums begin to recede and you struggle with gum disease, it can expose the root of the tooth to plaque.  The roots are covered with cementum.  It is much softer than enamel making it more susceptible to decay and more sensitive. #smilewithconfidence It is very common for someone over the age of 50 to have tooth-root decay. 

Experiencing decay around the edges of fillings in also a common problem in older adults.  Some older generations did not get the benefit of fluoride in their dental treatments growing up.  Fluoride, while natural in water, is not everywhere. Queen Creek AZ Dental Care Near Me  Because they lacked fluoride, which is known to strengthen the teeth, they may have more dental fillings.  Over the years, these fillings can begin to weaken and fracture around the edges.  Bacteria can accumulate in these small areas and cause acid to build up.  This is what leads to decay.