What is Tooth Decay?

Plaque is an insidious substance—a colorless, sticky film—that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.

Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.

Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay.  It can also cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed. Over time, the plaque underneath your gums may cause periodontal disease, which can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or dentin.  It can also destroy the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues, as well as the root. 

Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious condition occurs when the structures that support your teeth—the gums and bone—break down from the infection.  Pain, hypersensitivity and bleeding are some of the signs of periodontal disease.

Simple Preventative Measures

The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public drinking water contains fluoride, but if you are unsure of your water supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.

A good way to help your oral health between brushing is chewing sugarless gum; this stimulates your body's production of saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from your mouth.

In some cases, our office can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

When Available

Saturday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

    "I have been going to Dr. Kandou for a good number of years now.   I have total trust and confidence in all that she has done in satisfying my dental needs.  Her experience and desire to do what needs to be done is most gratifying.  I highly recommend her…"

    Robert S.

    "My husband and I recently started treatment with Dr. Wang and have found him to be an excellent dentist.  We have found him to be cordial and professional, knowledgeable and extremely thorough.  What has been most refreshing is that he takes his time to explain his evaluation …  pointing out issues to be addressed.  During procedures he explains what he is doing and what to expect; he also checks throughout to make sure we are comfortable.  Also, with any concerns we have had, he has called personally on the phone to discuss them.  We have been very pleased with Dr. Wang’s care of our dental needs."

    Karen M.

    "Amazing meticulous and caring practice, especially Dr. Kandou!"

    S. R.

    “I have been a patient of Dr. Wang’s for the past several years.  I have found him to be extremely thorough and caring.  He reviews my dental situation with me and makes sure that I understand.  His office has always treated me very courteously.”

    Les R.

    “Dr. Kandou is very knowledgeable, professional, and caring…  she is thorough, answers all questions beyond what is actually asked …  I am extremely pleased with this practice and the care they give.”

    Ann B.

    “Dr. Wang … has been overseeing my dental needs, both preventive and restorative with the utmost of competence and professionalism.  He has earned my trust and confidence.”

    Mary Ellen C.