Who doesn’t enjoy a decadent dessert after dinner? Chocolate molten cake, crème brulee, vanilla bean cheesecake, the possibilities are nearly endless, and oh-so-delicious. Unfortunately, the more frequently you enjoy sugar-rich treats, like desserts, the more likely you are to develop a cavity. The good news is that a cavity doesn’t have to be the end of your beautiful smile. Restorative treatment, like a filling, can get you back to enjoying your sweet life, soon.

Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Sugar is one of the leading culprits behind cavities, because it is what plaque bacteria feed on. While every mouth is filled with bacteria, both good and bad, when plaque bacteria is given ample “food,” like sugar, it can calcify on the teeth, creating an acidic environment which can lead to cavities, and worse, like gum disease.

Once it has hardened, plaque bacteria can only be removed through a professional cleaning, which is why preventive care, like regular dental checkups, are essential to maintaining healthy smiles.

Even if it’s too late to prevent a cavity, though, it’s not the end of the world, or of your smile as you know it. Most teeth affected by cavities can be restored through a simple filling. The procedure is minimally invasive, and can generally protect a tooth from further decay or infection. In some cases, the dentist may also recommend a crown to further protect the tooth, as well as to improve its function as you chew.

However, if you choose not to have a cavity treated it becomes far more likely that an infection or abscess will develop, often necessitating root canal treatment. If you want to avoid extensive treatment, be sure to see your dentist at the first sign – or twinge – of trouble.