Cavities+-+Rachel

=Cavities=



Tooth decay or the destruction of tooth structure cause cavities. Cavities are holes in the teeth, these form because of the acid in plaque (a mixture of acid, bacteria, left over food, and saliva). Plaque clings to the teeth and destroys the enameling and structure of the tooth creating holes. A dentist can tell if you have cavity because the surface is soft or by looking at an X-ray. Infected teeth are also sensitive to temperatures and sweet foods.

Treatment
If caught during early stages decay may be drilled out and filled with restorative material. In cases that are more severe a crown will be used by completely removing the decayed parts of the tooth and covering up the rest of the tooth with a crown. A root canal is performed when the cavity has caused the nerve or pulp to deteriorate.

A metal filling or crown treatment for a cavity.



source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-cavities picture sources: click on picture to be taken to creator's website

PS. "Kissing can help prevent cavities; it stimulates the flow of saliva, which naturally cleanses away cavity-causing food particles." http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/cold-flu-culprits?page=3