Let’s start with the question, ‘What are cavities?’
Cavities, or tooth decay, can be a common issue for children, adolescents, and adults alike. They are permanently damaged areas in the hard surfaces of the tooth sometimes forming into holes or causing fractures in teeth. Plaque, among other factors, can cause a cavity. When people eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in the mouth produces acids that ‘dissolve’ the outer tooth enamel.
When is dental treatment needed then? The tooth is made up of 3 main layers: outer enamel, inner dentin, and pulp tissue (nerve). Officially, a filling is needed when the cavity surpasses the outer enamel layer. Unofficially, there are a multitude of things to consider such as cavity history, hygiene, diet, enamel hardness, etc.
When it comes to children, treatment may be needed sooner than adults as baby teeth enamel are notably ‘softer’ than that of an adult. If you have any questions on when dental treatment is warranted, please do not hesitate to contact us!