You likely heard the warning as a child - "Candy will rot your teeth!" - as a way to keep you from eating it. While some people are able to fully abstain from eating sugary treats, many of us have a sweet tooth that only a good chocolate bar or gummy worm can satisfy. So as an adult, you probably don't hear or think about the dangers of candy for your smile, but Dr. Scott Wingard, your Evans and Augusta, 
GA dentist, wants his patients to know that the negative impact candy has on your oral health is still very real. Here's why candy is a tooth's sworn enemy.
What candy does to your teeth
At any given time, your mouth contains healthy, naturally-occurring bacteria. This bacteria helps regulate the pH levels in your mouth, making it a hospital environment for your teeth. However, the bacteria also has a craving for sweets. When carbohydrates like sugars are introduced into the mouth, the bacteria "turns" on its host - that's you - by feeding on these sugars and creating acids that break down the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. So, as your Evans and Augusta dentist explains, it's not the sugars alone that cause cavities to develop, but the acids produced by the bacteria that love to feed on them.
How to prevent cavities from candy
The best solution, according to your dentist, is to avoid eating candy altogether. However, if that's something you can't see yourself realistically doing, you should try to avoid hard and chewy candies that stick to the surfaces of your teeth. You should also have a glass of water nearby to rinse afterwards, and stay vigilant about brushing at least twice and flossing once daily. You might also check into sugar-free candies and gum, which contain sugar substitutes to which the bacteria in your mouth don't respond.
If you think you might have a cavity from your candy habit, we encourage you to contact Summerville Dentistry for an evaluation. Dr. Wingard, your Evans and August, GA dentist, can treat any problems and give you more tips on how to keep your mouth healthy for a lifetime!