Creedmoor Pittsboro Smithfield NC Family Dentistry
 


What Causes Cavities?

Your mouth is a busy place. Bacteria - tiny colonies of living organisms are constantly on the move on your teeth, gums, lips and tongue. Some of these bacteria can be harmful and attach themselves to hard surfaces like the enamel that covers your teeth. If they're not removed, they multiply and grow in number. Proteins present in your saliva (spit) mix with the bacteria becoming a whitish film on the tooth. This film is called plaque. The plaque produces acid as it uses the sugar (and food remains) in your mouth as a form of energy.  The acid dissolves the minerals that make your tooth enamel hard. The surface of the enamel becomes porous - tiny holes appear. After a while, the acid causes the tiny holes in the enamel to get bigger until one large hole appears. This is a cavity. Removing the plaque from your teeth on a consistent daily basis by brushing and flossing can prevent this entire process.



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Creedmoor Office
110 W. Church Street
Creedmoor, NC 27522
919-528-4004
Pittsboro Office
987 East Street, Suite H
Pittsboro, NC  27312
919-545-9500
Smithfield Office
910 S. Bright Leaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-934-1333
Roxboro Office
347 S Madison Blvd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
336-599-1349
 
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