Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Characteristics of a Cavity

Cavities are just about as common as a cold and although they mostly occur in children, adults need to be aware of them too. It isn’t unusual for bacteria to be found in your mouth, however, when bacteria mixes with acid, food pieces and saliva in the mouth it creates a sticky substance called plaque. The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth and create holes in the tooth called cavities. Although Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. offers a variety of filling options for cavities, he would prefer you avoid them altogether.


Developing cavities is a process and they just don’t appear overnight. In the early stages, tooth decay can be stopped. The best way to prevent cavities is by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth and the best way to do this is by brushing and flossing daily. Cavities caught in the very early stages can be reversed, however, caries that have destroyed enamel cannot. It is important to schedule a professional cleaning with our doctors every six months to reduce your risk of tooth decay.


If you suspect you have a cavity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

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