{"id":240,"date":"2017-02-23T21:24:42","date_gmt":"2017-02-23T21:24:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dentistsatorenco.com\/blog\/?p=240"},"modified":"2017-02-23T21:24:42","modified_gmt":"2017-02-23T21:24:42","slug":"dentist-hillsboro-explains-tooth-decay-cavities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistsatorenco.com\/blog\/dentist-hillsboro-explains-tooth-decay-cavities\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentist in Hillsboro Explains Tooth Decay and Cavities"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Learn<\/a>Did you know that 20 percent of children from the age of 5 to 11 have had at least one decayed tooth? The same goes for 13 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> (CDC) predicted that by the age of 15, about 60 percent of all adolescents will have had a cavity. Although cavities are generally preventable, the CDC states that they\u2019re the \u201cmost common chronic disease of children.\u201d By visiting your dentist in Hillsboro routinely, whether it be either Dr. Brandon or Malinda Kearbey<\/a>, you can work towards preventing your child from becoming a statistic.<\/p>\n

What is a cavity?<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Dental caries (the technical term for cavities), are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel. This breakdown is the result of dangerous bacteria buildup. You accrue harmful bacteria by consuming sugary or acidic foods and not practicing proper preventive care. Either one of these factors\u2014especially a combination of the two\u2014will cause the breakdown of your tooth enamel. Acidic foods remove important minerals from the enamel as well. If left untreated it can cause a cavity, or weak spot in your tooth. Decay begins in the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel). As enamel breaks down, the decay descends deeper into the dentin (inner layer).\u00a0 Eventually it will reach the nerve endings of the tooth, which can be extremely painful.<\/p>\n

How do I know if I have a cavity?<\/h1>\n

During your regular dental exam, your dentist will always look for signs of tooth decay and cavities. You may notice these signs of tooth decay yourself:<\/p>\n