
All your life, you’ve heard your dentist, your parents and maybe even your teachers tell you to brush your teeth so you don’t get cavities. For most of us, there is only one kind of cavity: a hole-in-the-tooth kind of cavity.
Would you be surprised to find out that there are three major kinds of cavities? You may be wondering which kind is the worst kind to have. The answer is: all of them. Just ask our dentist, Dr. Sheldon Kupferman.
Out of the three, the most common type of cavity is the coronal cavity. These form between the teeth or on the chewing surfaces. A recurrent cavity is one that forms around areas where you have had a filling or crown placed. Older adults often experience receding gums, which expose the root of the tooth. The root is covered in cementum, a material that is not as strong as enamel, which makes the root very vulnerable to decay.
The best way to avoid any kind of cavity is to practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time twice a day. It also means avoiding or limiting foods and drinks that have high sugar content. And of course, you need to make sure that you see the dentist for your routine cleanings and examinations.
If you think you might have a cavity, or if it is just time for your regular appointment, we would love to see you. If you live in the The Bronx, New York area, you can dial 718-548-1148 to plan your trip to Riverdale Dental Arts.