Monday, August 6, 2012

Dental Caries 101

Dental Caries (i.e., tooth decay, cavities)

Almost everyone knows what causes tooth decay, right? Or at least they think they do. The biggest and most common known cause of cavities is high sugar intake. So basically someone who eats candy all the time is going to have lots of cavities. 

While that is partially true, there are other factors that must be present in order for dental caries to occur...


  1. A susceptible tooth (e.g., that tooth way in the back of your mouth that you can't reach so you leave it alone.) 
  2. A diet high in fermentable carbohydrates (sugars). (FYI candy is not the only source of sugar that causes caries.)
  3. Certain bacteria (Yes, there are bacteria in your mouth.)
Once you have a tooth that is neglected from proper oral cleanings, the combination of sugars (sugars found in fruits count too!) and cooked starches (potatoes, rice, and pasta) and the two types of bacteria Streptococci mutans (MS) and Lactobacilli, you are at serious risk of TOOTH DECAY! 

If you feel that you are at risk of having one or multiple cavities please call the office for an evaluation!

215.567.4949

Visit our website for more information on this and other dental issues and services!

pjmouradiandmd.com

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