In our Westfield dental office, our patients generally come to us already understanding that they should brush and floss regularly to avoid cavities. It is our goal as dentists to then help our patients understand why and how dental decay progresses, so that they not only know what they should do to keep their teeth healthy, but also why they should do it. This educational component of our practice allows patients to take more control over their own teeth, and keep a healthier smile between dental check-ups.

Many patients think of cavities as dark spots on otherwise white teeth. Dental decay is much more than a cosmetic concern, however, because if left untreated cavities can infect the inner core of a tooth and cause irreversible damage to a patient’s smile.

The white outer layer of a tooth is called the dental enamel (this is the dental layer that many of us associate with healthy teeth). Dental enamel is hard and less porous than the other layers of the teeth, so it is the first line of defense in protecting the tooth.

Below the dental enamel is a layer of dentin, which is slightly yellower or darker than dental enamel. Dentin is also a protective layer for the tooth. However, dentin is more porous than enamel, meaning that disease and decay can more rapidly through dentin than the outer enamel layer.

Both the enamel and dentin protect the inner core of the tooth—the dental pulp. Dental pulp is comprised of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels that feed the tooth and keep it healthy. The dental pulp, once infected, is incredibly painful, and can cause further infection of dental tissues and bone.

Preventing surface cavities (those on the dental enamel), therefore, is important to the overall health and wellbeing of an affected tooth. Preventing cavities and treating dental decay in its earliest stages can prevent tooth loss and painful infections. Give our Westfield dentists a call if you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment. Your dental health is our priority!