The Ooey Gooey Truth About Cavities!
It’s the season of candy, candy, and MORE candy. With so many Halloween events this year, it is the perfect time to ask…what exactly is the science behind cavities? Will an all-night session of snacking on Halloween candy really cause a cavity? And how long should we actually be brushing our teeth? We’re turning to Dr. Anna Palombini, with Imagine Orthodontic Studios in Orlando, to find out more, so grab the kiddos, and let’s read on together!
First—what IS a cavity?
AP: Cavities are essentially holes that can form in the teeth. They develop when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that wear down the enamel (the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth). Over time, if you don’t clean your teeth properly, the acid creates weak spots in the enamel, which can eventually turn into cavities.
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How do they form?
AP: When you eat, a sticky film called plaque forms along your gums and on your teeth. Our mouths are full of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are helpful, but others can be harmful, especially those involved in the tooth decay process. If not removed by brushing and flossing, the bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches from the foods and drinks you consume. As they break down these substances, they produce acids. These acids attack the enamel. Over time, repeated acid attacks can wear down the enamel and lead to the formation of a small hole, or cavity.
Can a cavity form overnight if I forget to brush my teeth?
AP: Not usually overnight…but skipping brushing gives bacteria a big head start. If it becomes a habit, it’s a quick path to decay. So try not to make a habit of skipping!
Why is candy so bad for my teeth?
AP: Candy is sugar-packed, and bacteria love sugar. The more sugar they get, the more acid they make, and that acid is what breaks down your enamel. It’s essentially fuel for tooth decay.
What’s the worst kind of candy to eat?
AP: Sticky and chewy candies (like caramels, gummy bears, taffy) are the worst. They cling to your teeth and stay there, giving bacteria more time to do damage. Sour candies are also bad…they’re acidic and sugary. Double trouble!
What if I can’t brush my teeth right away…what else can I do? Chew gum, eat cheese, eat an apple??
AP: Great question! If brushing isn’t possible, chewing sugar-free gum can help, it boosts saliva, which naturally cleans your teeth. Cheese and apples are also good choices: cheese helps neutralize acid, and apples can scrub a bit as you chew. But brushing is still the gold standard!
How do you treat cavities?
AP: A cavity typically develops in stages, starting with demineralization, when the enamel begins to weaken and white spots may appear. This early phase is reversible with good oral hygiene and fluoride. If left untreated, it progresses to enamel decay, where the surface breaks down and a small hole forms. At this stage, dentists remove the decayed portion and fill the hole with a strong material to protect the tooth. If the decay continues to worsen and reaches the dentin or the innermost part of the tooth (the pulp), it may require more serious treatment, such as a root canal or even tooth extraction. The earlier a cavity is caught, the easier it is to treat!
**How long should I brush my teeth—**as long as the alphabet twice?
AP: That’s a fun trick! Yep, two minutes, twice to three times a day is the goal. Singing the alphabet twice gets you close. Just make sure you’re brushing all the tooth surfaces and don’t forget the tongue!
Any advice for parents to encourage kids to brush their teeth?
AP: Make it fun! Use music, brushing charts, colorful toothbrushes, or let kids pick their own toothpaste flavor. Brushing with your child helps model good habits…and a little praise or reward can go a long way. Turn it into a game, and they’re more likely to stick with it!
Originally published in the Sep/Oct 2025 Issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine
