Almost everyone probably has at least one small cavity. But many families seemto have numerous cavities, and some may lose severa of their permanent teeth during the early school years. This is tragic, for the losss of the teeth will often change the shape of the cild’s face, and no amount of bridgework applied later can fully take place of those teeth that have been lose.

Some teeth seems to be defective from the start, due possibly for heriditary factors. But a great deal of tooth decay definetly related to the amount of sugar, candy, and desserts that a child given in the diet. Any lack of balance between carbohydrates and protiens may also contribute to this. Insufficinet vitamins and minerals are only too common in may modern diets.

What Is the Treatment for Cavities?

There are a number of different treatments for cavities depending on the extent of tooth decay. If decay is not extensive, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed by drilling and replaced with a filling made of silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or a composite resin. Materials used in fillings are considered safe. Concerns have been raised over the safety of mercury-based, silver amalgams in particular, but the American Dental Association (ADA), FDA, and other public health agencies continue to support the safety of this restorative material. Allergies to silver amalgam are rare as are allergies to other restorative materials.

If the tooth decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure remaining, crowns will be used. If a crown is needed, the decayed or weakened area of the tooth is removed and repaired and a crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are made from gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.