Cavity preparation
Fossilised remains of our ancestors show that cavities have always plagued us. However today's modern diet rich in highly processed and sugar-containing foods has resulted in a massive increase in the number of cavities or caries that have to be treated by dental practitioners.
What are they?
Dental cavities are an infection caused by a combination of carbohydrate-containing foods and bacteria that live in the mouth. The bacteria are contained in a film that continuously forms on the teeth. This film is known as plaque. When specific bacteria in the mouth combine with carbohydrates they produce acid, which attacks the teeth and begins to dissolve the enamel on the surface of the tooth. This most commonly occurs in the pits and fissures of the teeth since food becomes trapped here and often can be difficult to remove.
Eventually the acid will progress through the enamel into the dentine below creating a cavity. If such cavities are not treated they can continue to progress until the infection reaches the underlying pulp by which stage root canal treatment may be the only solution to preventing tooth loss altogether.