What is a Cavity?

No matter how young or old a person is, no one wants to hear that they have a cavity when they are at their dentist’s office. A cavity develops when a tooth decays, which results in a hole that grows bigger and bigger over time. Cavities are also known as dental caries and if you have one, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible.

How does a tooth develop a hole? Plaque is the culprit. Plaque is a sticky, slimy substance made up of the germs that cause tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth makes acids and when plaque sticks to your teeth, the acids can eat away at the outer layer of your tooth, called the enamel.

If the tooth with decay is not treated, the acids will continue to make their way through the enamel, decaying the inside parts of your tooth. Tooth aches can be a result of the cavity reaching all the way inside a tooth, affecting the nerve endings.

If your dentist does find a cavity, they are able to repair it by first removing the compromised part of your tooth with a special drill. Then, the dentist will fill the hole in your tooth with a filling to repair the tooth.

Tips for cavity prevention:

• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste after every meal or at least twice a day. Before bed is an especially important time to brush.
• Brush up and down in a circular motion for roughly two minutes. 
• Gently brush your gums
• Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food that is stuck between your teeth.
• Limit sweets and sugary drinks.

In addition to these steps, be sure to see your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. Contact the office of Dr. Jacobson to set up an appointment.

Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com

Parts of the Mouth

While your mouth is made up of more than just teeth, that goes to say that oral health goes beyond simply brushing and flossing. Aside from your teeth, your mouth is also made up of gums, oral mucosa, the tongue, salivary glands, and the uvula. All of these parts play an important role when it comes to good dental health.

When you open up your mouth and look in the mirror, everything that isn’t a tooth is covered by a protective lining called the oral mucosa. This is a mucous membrane similar to the membranes that line your nostrils and inner ears. The oral mucosa’s role is to defend your body from germs that enter your mouth.

Your gums are also covered by the oral mucosa. Healthy gums are firm, cover the entire root of the tooth and do not bleed when brushed or flossed. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss so taking care of your gums by flossing regularly is just as essential to dental care as brushing your teeth.

Your tongue is a powerful muscle covered in a special mucosal tissue that includes your taste buds. The tongue is an integral part of the body’s digestive system, it’s responsible for moving food to your teeth and swallowing food. It also gives you the ability to speak.

You have three sets of salivary glands in your mouth and neck: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. These glands are what produce saliva, which contains an enzyme that aids in breaking down food, making it easier for you to swallow. Saliva is essential for good oral health because it protects your gums and teeth by rinsing away food particles and bacteria. It also helps to counteract acidic foods that can wear down the protective enamel of your teeth.

The uvula is a tiny flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of your throat. Like everything else in the mouth, the uvula is covered by oral mucosa. The uvula has long been a source of curiosity for scientists because all of its functions are not yet fully understood. It does seem to play a role in speech and in keeping the throat and mouth moist.

The next time you are brushing your teeth, take a moment to look at all of the parts of the mouth that lie farther inside the oral cavity. Understanding what these parts do and what they look like with help you maintain optimal oral health.


Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com