Cavities

What they are and how to prevent them

Anatomy of teeth and
cavities

Dental cavities are

holes in teeth that
form when acid
(plaque) in the mouth
erodes tooth enamel.
Plaque

Plaque is composed of
bacteria, proteins, viruses,
and food debris.

It is acidic, and is what

causes cavities and other
dental problems.

It is important to brush your

teeth to remove the plaque.
 Preventing enamel loss
● Tooth enamel is one of the toughest
substances in the body, even
tougher than bone.

● It protects your teeth from chemical

and physical damage.

Many toothpastes are marketed as

having special formulas designed to
protect and even restore your
enamel…
...but do they work?

According to dentists, the answer is complicated. Many say that the

ingredients in these toothpastes are great for strengthening and
supporting your enamel, but when it is gone, it is gone.
Enamel is not living tissue like skin, nails, or hair.
Who gets cavities?

Cavities can be a problem for children, teens, and adults.

They are most common among children.

Take a guess: what % of people have a cavity at some point in their

life?
 92%
Of all people have a cavity at some point in their life, according to the NIH.