Why does candy hurt your teeth?

* Bacteria form a thin layer of plaque on your teeth.

* Plaque feeds off the sugar you eat and produces acids that attack your teeth for about 20 minutes.

* During this acid attack:

* Your teeth lose minerals, including calcium, which hardens your teeth.

* White spots of damage, known as demineralization, may form on your teeth.

* If you brush and floss right away, you may be able to reverse the damage.

Over Time

* These minerals aren’t there anymore to protect your teeth from the next acid attack.

* Repeat acid attacks lead to bigger, deeper holes, known as cavities or caries.

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

* At this stage, the damage can’t be reversed by simply brushing and flossing.

* You’ll need to see your dentist to have the cavity filled.

Tips for Healthy Teeth

* Brush and floss your teeth regularly.

* Be careful not to over-brush, which can wear out the enamel on your teeth.

* Ask your dentist about sealants to help protect your teeth from cavities.