Why do I create Dental Smarts Websites? Welcome to Dental Smarts, a network of dental sites I created as a source of  general information that may be helpful. Why am I creating these sites?  Well,  it seems to me that many of the dental material on the Internet is written by, or on behalf of, someone who is promoting themselves or a particular product or treatment.  A few dentists are even promoting  treatments not backed by  science. Of course my sites give voice to my own ideas and opinions and should be taken as such. But, I wanted to present information on the Internet  that is not biased.  As for the margin ads, I have no opinion about them,  one way or the other, as I never know what ads will appear and they continually change.

Obviously, dentistry cannot be practiced over the Internet. Therefore, I must emphasize that I can only discuss dental topics in a general way.  The information presented may or may not apply to your specific dental condition.  The best source for dental information about your dental health is your own dentist. So, although I am presenting information here, I am not your dentist and your reading my articles obviously does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Accordingly,  I am unable to answer email or comment on individual dental care of website readers.

Thanks for visiting!  Dr. Lynne Heckert

Tooth decay is also called dental caries and it is a very common affliction. I have some interesting information about this problem and what can be done to prevent it. Basically,  tooth decay is caused when certain bacteria accumulate on the teeth. (Usually this bacteria is strep mutans and the buildup of bacterial colonies is called plaque.)  Decay producing bacteria thrive on sugars and their acidic metabolic byproducts are able to dissolve tooth structure.  If decay is not removed it continues to destroy the tooth.  If it reaches the center of the tooth where the tooth nerve lives, a dental abscess can result and a root canal or extraction will be needed.  If a large amount of tooth structure is destroyed, a dental cap may be needed. Decay occurs in people of all ages, although it is most active in childhood and teens.  Fortunately,  there are things that can be done to prevent decay or minimize it.  That is what this site is about.