1.8.8,9,10,11 Handout
1.8.8,9,10,11 Handout
1.8.8,9,10,11 Handout
Plaque contains acids which, over time, can dissolve away the
protective, hard enamel coating of the tooth, and create holes, or
cavities.
Cavities
Most cavities form over a period of months or even years. They are usually painless, but they can grow
very large, and damage the much softer internal structures of the tooth such as the dentin and the
pulp, which is found at the core. If they remain untreated, they can kill the nerve and blood vessels of
the tooth, and ultimately the tooth itself. The most obvious sign of tooth decay is a toothache,
particularly after hot or cold foods or drinks. Pits or holes may also be visible in the teeth.
Plaque and tartar also irritate the gums and lead to gum disease.
Treatment for cavities:
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in toddlers and children. Also referred to as tooth
decay, a cavity is a permanently damaged area in a
tooth.
1. Dental Filling: The dentist removes the tooth decay
and then fills the hole with a white composite or
Figure 3 Dental filling
metal material. Filling a cavity that forms on a
baby tooth can save or preserve the tooth.