What are Dental Caries?

May 15, 2014

shutterstock_140040793More commonly referred to as cavities, dental caries are areas of decay within tooth enamel and its underlying material, dentin. Caries are caused by bacteria that adhere to the teeth, producing acid that eats away at the enamel. At Dooley Dental in Spring Lake, NJ, Dr. Ed Dooley and our team help prevent and treat caries before they develop into more severe oral health problems. Our comprehensive array of general dental services includes preventive and restorative treatments that address the issue of cavities at any age.

Caries: What You Need to Know

When most people think of dental cavities, the first thing that comes to mind is a problem that develops when you simply don’t brush your teeth often enough. Though proper oral hygiene is certainly a factor in the prevention of cavities, there are plenty of other aspects to take into consideration as well. Routine visits to your local Spring Lake, NJ dentist at Dooley Dental are also vital, keeping plaque and tartar at bay as well as checking for early signs of decay.

If dental caries are not treated in a timely manner, they can worsen and infect the pulp of the tooth where all the sensitive nerves reside. At this point, a root canal treatment becomes necessary. Fortunately, preventing and repairing cavities before they reach this level of severity is easy with help from Dr. Dooley and his caring team.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Has it been longer than six months since your last dental checkup? If so, please contact our office in Spring Lake, NJ today to schedule your next visit. Our comfortable, welcoming practice and exceptional patient amenities make each appointment a pleasant experience. In addition to serving families from throughout the Spring Lake area, we also welcome patients from nearby communities in Manasquan, Belmar, Wall Township, Avon, Brielle, and beyond. We can’t wait to show you what a difference our dedication, skill, and experience can make for you and your family.