Join Molly and Aya on a toothy adventure as they explore what causes cavities and how dentists fix them. They discuss the importance of teeth, the connection between mouth bacteria and cavities, and the structure of teeth. They also talk about creating the toothbrush of our dreams and reveal the answer to a mystery sound.
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Quick takeaways
Cavities form when troublemaker bacteria in our mouths eat the sugar from the food we consume, producing acid that wears down the enamel and creates a hole.
Regular brushing and flossing reduces the risk of cavities by keeping bacteria moving and preventing plaque and tartar buildup.
Deep dives
Teeth have layers and bacteria
Teeth have three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. Enamel is the hard outer layer, dentin is the middle layer, and pulp is the inner layer. Millions of bacteria live in our mouths, some help break down food and boost our immune system, while others can cause cavities.
Cavities and how they form
Cavities form when troublemaker bacteria in our mouths eat the sugar from the food we consume. These bacteria produce acid that wears down the enamel, creating a hole called a cavity. Candies, sweets, and starchy foods can make cavities worse as they provide more food for the bacteria.
Preventing and treating cavities
Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep bacteria moving and prevents plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities. If a cavity does form, dentists clean the tooth, remove the decayed portion, and fill it with a strong filling material, making the tooth even stronger than before.
Your teeth are like a squad of superheroes inside your mouth. They help you crunch on carrot sticks, nibble popcorn and chew bubblegum. You’ve probably heard it’s important to brush your teeth to prevent cavities. But what is a cavity? And how do dentists fix them?
Join Molly and cohost Aya on a terrifically toothy adventure, as they explore what causes these pesky little holes in our teeth. They’ll meet a group of rowdy, party-loving bacteria and find out how sometimes, troublemaker bacteria in our mouths can cause cavities. Plus, dentist Dr. Jean Star will help explain how to fix cavities. All that, plus a brand new Mystery Sound!
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This episode was sponsored by
Sitka Seafood Market - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order.
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