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Ask the Dentist
To ask a question that could be posted to this section, please email us at info@schmidtdentalcare.com
In this section, Dr. Schmidt will respond to your
questions. For example:
Q: What is a cavity?
A: That's the word no one wants to hear at the dentist's office. A cavity develops when a tooth
decays, or breaks down. A cavity is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are also called dental caries,
and if you have a cavity, it's important to get it repaired. But why would your tooth develop a hole? Blame plaque. That's a sticky, slimy substance made up mostly
of the germs that cause tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth make acids so when plaque clings to your teeth, the acids
can eat away at the outermost layer of the tooth, called the enamel. If you don't go to the dentist, the acids can continue to make their way through the enamel, and the inside
parts of your tooth can begin to decay. If you've ever had a toothache or heard an adult complain about one, it may have
been because there was a cavity that reached all the way inside a tooth, where the nerve endings are. Ouch!
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