You’ve heard your whole life that too much candy could mean tooth decay. But how does consuming candy lead to cavities? With many of us receiving lots of candy and chocolates on Valentine’s Day, now is the perfect time to talk about the link between sweets and decay, as well as what steps our Woodland Hills, CA, patients can take to protect their smiles!
How Does Sugar Lead to Cavities?
Consuming candy exposes our teeth to sugar particles. When these particles remain behind, stuck on and between the teeth, bacteria will break them down. In the process, people develop higher levels of oral acidity and the teeth become coated in plaque, a sticky bacterial byproduct. Plaque buildup could weaken tooth enamel, causing enamel erosion. This exposes the inner and sensitive layers of dentin to harmful bacteria, allowing a cavity to form. Without treatment, the cavity could continue to grow and spread, eventually leading to an infection.
Toothaches and Other Warning Signs
How do you know if you have a cavity? Well, you notice your teeth begin to feel sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. Teeth could also ache, with discomfort growing worse without treatment. Don’t ignore persistent pain or sensitivity in your teeth, let your dentist known as soon as possible. We can then perform a diagnosis and see if you need treatment.
Treatment Options and Preventive Tips
If we find signs of a cavity, then we will often treat the problem with a dental filling. Instead of metal, we now use a composite resin material, which can be shaded to match the tooth. The filling can be placed in one visit, protecting the teeth from worsening tooth decay. For advanced cases, we may also suggest a custom-made dental crown.
What can you do to reduce the risk of cavities? Well, limit how much candy you eat each day and rinse your mouth with water after you finish them. You also need to brush your teeth twice daily and floss every night before going to bed. Make time to see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning as well, which helps safeguard your smile against decay and other oral health issues. If you have any questions about preventing tooth decay, or about treating cavities, then contact our team today.
Woodland Hills Dental Treats Tooth Decay
Our team wants to help you enjoy a healthy smile, one free of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Schedule a consultation to discuss our preventive and restorative treatment options by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA, today at (818) 347-5124. We also proudly work with patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all other surrounding areas.