Dental Dictionary
Cavities (Tooth Decay) are holes in the teeth. They first affect the hard tissues levels of the teeth from enamel, dentin, to cementum. As the cavity progresses the various levels of tissue begin to break down. This eventually leads to holes in the teeth. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and, in extreme cases death can occur. Regular brushing and flossing lowers the risk of cavities. The most decay-prone areas of teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
|