Frequently asked questions
If there is a question that has not been answered here, we are available during regular business hours at (704) 225-8555; or feel free to email us We will respond within 24 hours.
Q: "What is the difference between "caries" and "cavities"?"
Dental caries is the disease process that leads to dental cavities. The disease, caries, is caused by a several bacteria found in saliva (most notably, Streptoccocus Mutans and Lactobacilus Acidophilus) that create an acidic environment around teeth. The acidic environment, in turn, causes the enamel on the teeth to lose essential minerals-- a process called demineralization.
The more the enamel is demineralized, the weaker it becomes until, eventually, it cavitates. Hence, a cavity.
Some important things to remember:
- The cavity-causing bacteria turn starchy/sugary food into acids. Note: carbohydrates and regular sugar can all be turned into acid-- which in turn, will demineralize enamel.
- Saliva is your best defense against cavities: As the acid demineralizes the enamel on the teeth, your saliva puts the minerals back- a process called remineralization. Everyones mouth goes through a constant battle of demieralization and remineralization. Most of the time your saliva wins, so your teeth won't have cavities. But if your teeth lose more minerals than it can put back, you will have a cavity.
- Saliva needs time to work- about 30 minutes. Once you put something sugary in your mouth, the acidic destruction begins. After you are done eating, it takes your saliva 30 minutes to neutralize the acid attack.
- The cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from one person to another.
- Filling a tooth does not prevent dental caries, it fixes dental cavities. A tooth filling simply fixes the destruction caused by the disease (dental caries). To prevent future cavities, we have to control, or eliminate the disease process.
