Since you were a little kid, you've been taught to brush your teeth to avoid cavities, or you’d have to get a filling at the dentist. But do you know why cavities form, how fillings help, or how to prevent cavities from happening in the first place? These are among the three most frequently asked questions about cavities, and Anchorage, AK, dentist J. Bryson McBratney D.D.S. sets out to answer them.

Read on to learn more about the pesky cavity and how good dental care and hygiene can help control and even prevent them:

• How Do Cavities Form? As their name suggests, cavities are holes that form in the teeth as a result of bacteria and acid eating away at the enamel, the natural protective layer around teeth. Without proper dental care, both in everyday hygiene habits and in routine visits to the dentist, bacteria will fester and cause decay, and your risk of cavities will soar.

• What Happens Without Proper Treatment? Fillings are a dentists' way of halting tooth decay to prevent it from getting worse. Without this treatment, the decay will spread through the tooth and into the root, necessitating a root canal. If you feel pain in any of your teeth, make an appointment with J. Bryson McBratney D.D.S. right away to check if you have a cavity and undergo treatment as early as possible.
• How Can You Prevent Cavities? Brushing, flossing, and routine checkups with the dentist are your secret weapons to preventing cavities from forming. Practicing daily oral hygiene can help keep your mouth free of bacteria, while twice-a-year checkups with Dr. McBratney give him the chance to catch cavities early and address them as necessary with fillings.

J. Bryson McBratney D.D.S. is proud to provide the Anchorage community with high-quality dental care. To learn more, call the dentist office at (907) 562-3323 or visit their website.