14 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200 • Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Adult Tooth Decay
What Adults Should Know About Tooth Decay
Cavities Aren't Just for Kids!
We all hate to hear that our dentist has found new cavities since our last visit. Even worse, some cavities create pain that we can do little to relieve. Cavities are areas of decay on teeth, and they can form on any surface of a tooth. To repair a cavity, the decay must be removed and replaced with a manmade substance. How can you deter decay to avoid negative reports from Dr. Gershberg and nagging oral pain? First, you must understand what causes tooth decay.
The Cause
A healthy mouth contains natural, good bacteria that neutralize acids and helps clean up food particles. This bacteria and your saliva also help strengthen areas of demineralization on teeth by restoring the minerals that protect teeth from decay.
Sometimes bad bacteria, plaque, can throw a healthy mouth’s homeostasis into chaos. Made from mucus, saliva, decaying food, and bad bacteria, plaque is a sticky substance that can build up on your teeth. Harmful bacteria in plaque emit an acid that eats away tooth enamel to create cavities. This acid can eat into the tooth, through the enamel, through the dentin, to cause pain where nerves and blood vessels are vulnerable. Often a cavity that grows to affect the dentin must undergo a root canal or extraction. In short, tooth decay can kill teeth.
The Cure
To prevent tooth decay, see Dr. Gershberg twice each year for a thorough cleaning and oral exam. At home, you should brush your teeth with a soft tooth brush after each meal and floss daily. Mouthwashes and fluoride rinses can help destroy harmful bacteria and re-mineralize teeth. Of course, staying away from foods high in sugars and starches will help since bad bacteria consider these two items a delicacy.
If you have small cavities, get them filled as soon as possible, before they grow and cause extensive damage. Professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also help deter tooth decay. Some patients have more problems with plaque than others. We’ll gladly help you understand the particularities of your mouth and recommend ways to prevent bacteria and tooth decay.
"Dr. Stephen Gershberg is a skilled and caring dentist adept at all phases of modern practice. I am especially impressed with his kind and thoughtful approach to his patient's needs. Dr Gershberg provides personalized care and his attention to detail and esthetics is superb. His staff is always pleasant, and the office atmosphere is warm and relaxed. I highly recommend Dr. Gershberg's practice."
Robert Summers, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology, Narberth, PA
"Congratulations on your new web site. I'm sure that the people who view it will see, as I
have throughout the many years of working with you, the high artistic quality of your work. They will understand what a fine clinician you are, and realize how much time and effort you devote to giving your patients such high quality dental care. You are a real asset to the dental profession, and one of the gold standards of quality dental care in the 21st century."
Harvey Wank DMD
Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry
Bryn Mawr Hospital
Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Medical School
"Having worked with you for many years, I would like to compliment you on the remarkable clinical and esthetic results you are able to achieve with your patients. When it comes to perfection, there is certainly no compromise. Words do not express the satisfaction of your patients with regards the crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers and implant restorations you have placed. The exquisite artistry displayed behind each individual smile is a direct tribute to the excellent work you perform. Keep up the good work."
Geoffrey Rabie DMD, BDS
Diplomat American Board of Endodontics
"I have been very fortunate to work with Dr. Gershberg for some fifteen years now. His persistent pursuit of perfection and beautiful aesthetic work speaks for itself. P.S. I was talking with my sister Val the other day about the work you did for her boyfriend Dave, and she just could not say enough about how pleased they were with his teeth as well as how easy it was to work with you as a professional in getting exactly what he wanted.
Hope all is well! "
Tom Seibert, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology, Bryn Mawr. PA
"It has been a great pleasure to work with you over the last five years. I am always greatly impressed with the high quality of your work and with your unwavering commitment to your patients. My expectations for the level of care for my patients are always exceeded by your high standard of excellence. I look forward to collaborating with you long into the future!"
John Whytosek, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology
Broomall, PA
Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontics
Interested in hearing about what our patients and doctors have to say? Check out our testimonials page OR click here to read more and schedule an appointment with us today OR call and speak with us directly at 610-527-6700
