Most people enjoy the occasional sweet treat after a meal or with their morning coffee and having the occasional sugary snack will have little impact on your oral health or your overall health. Sugar becomes a problem with over-consumption and can lead to a number of health issues including weight gain, diabetes, and dental cavities.
Dental cavities are the most common preventable childhood disease. Denying kids the snacks they want might feel cruel or uncomfortable at first, but if you set a healthy example early on, your child will learn to enjoy more nutritious and healthier snacks.
How Cavities Form
Sugar and starch are the preferred fuel for bacteria and they thrive in a warm, moist environment, such as the mouth. As bacteria reproduce, they generate acid, which softens the enamel covering the teeth. When this occurs frequently, decay eventually develops.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dr. Stephens loves working with people and is known for his gentle treatment techniques. He will make sure that the tooth is numb before beginning work. He will use tiny instruments to remove decay and bacteria while leaving behind healthy tooth structure. After applying a bonding agent to the tooth, he will fill the cavity with a tooth-colored material called composite. Composite comes in a variety of shades to match your surrounding teeth.
When he completely fills the cavity, he will harden it with a curing light, so you can chew on it right away. After polishing the filling, it will blend with your natural tooth and no one will notice it when you smile.
If you would like a dentist in Fayetteville, AR who focuses on prevention and treats both children and adults, we encourage you to contact us to arrange an appointment. We love welcoming new patients to become part of our practice.