Cavities, in the area of the tooth affected by decay, are soft.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
When tooth decay (caries) occurs, it gradually breaks down the hard, outer layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin). This process softens the affected area.
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Initial Stage: Initially, the decay might not be visible, but the enamel starts to demineralize and weaken.
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Progression: As decay progresses, it creates a hole (cavity) where the formerly hard tooth structure has been dissolved and replaced with softened, decayed material. This decayed material is often described as:
- Soft
- Brown or discolored
- Mushy or pasty
Think of it this way: a healthy tooth is hard like a rock. A tooth with a cavity has a spot where the rock has turned into something much softer, almost like clay. The purpose of dental fillings is to remove this soft, decayed portion and replace it with a hard, restorative material, protecting the tooth.
