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GlenDental by M. Melissa Francisco, DDS
410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150 Glendora, CA 91740(626) 963-9112
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      • Scaling & Root Planing
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Cavities and Tooth Decay

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is caused by a variety of things; in medical terms, cavities are called caries, which are caused by long-term destructive forces acting on tooth structures such as enamel and the tooth's inner dentin material.

These destructive forces include frequent exposure to foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates. Soda, candy, ice cream—even milk—are common culprits.  Left inside your mouth from non-brushing and flossing, these materials break down quickly, allowing bacteria to do their dirty work in the form of a harmful, colorless sticky substance called plaque.

The plaque works in concert with leftover food particles in your mouth to form harmful acids that destroy enamel and other tooth structures.

If cavities aren't treated early enough, they can lead to more serious problems requiring treatments such as root canal therapy.

Preventing Cavities

The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene, including brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Your body's own saliva is also an excellent cavity fighter, because it contains special chemicals that rinse away many harmful materials. Chewing a good sugarless gum will stimulate saliva production between brushing.

Special sealants and varnishes can also be applied to stave off cavities from forming.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have a cavity:

  • Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold water or foods.
  • A localized pain in your tooth or near the gum line.
  • Teeth that change color.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby's mouth.

If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby's future primary teeth, which can later hamper the proper formation of permanent teeth.

One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is to not allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep. Encouraging your toddler to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help stave off the problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.


Learn More

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Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • General Dentistry
    • Fluoride
    • The Preventive Program
    • Fillings
    • Infection Control
    • Medication and Heart Disease
    • Latex Allergy
    • Age and Oral Health
    • Tobacco
    • Oral Piercing
  • Tooth Care
    • Periodontal Exams
    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
    • Flossing
    • Fluoride Facts
    • Mouth Rinses
    • Sealants
    • X-Rays
    • Denture Care
    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
  • Dental Problems
    • Abscessed Tooth
    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
    • Canker/Cold Sores
    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    • Toothaches
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
    • Plaque
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
    • Jaw Disorders
  • Treatment
    • Braces (Orthodontia)
    • Sealants
    • Missing Teeth
    • Bridges
    • Crowns
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Extractions
    • Scaling and Root Planing
    • Flap Surgery
    • Dentures
    • Jaw/TMJ
    • Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Bleaching
      • Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
      • Implants
      • Grafts
      • Old and Unsightly Fillings
      • Bonding
      • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
      • Invisalign®
      • Crowns and Bridges
  • Pain Management
    • Overview
    • Managing Pain
    • Anesthesia
    • Air Abrasion
    • Medications
  • Patient Information
    • Your First Dental Visit
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient
  • Product Reviews
    • Oral Health Products
    • Choosing a Toothbrush
    • Types of Floss
    • Water Picks
    • Mouth Guards
  • Glossary
  • Links

Our Location

410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 963-9112

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday:09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Thursday:Closed
Friday:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday:by appointment only
Sunday:Closed

Patient Testimonials

 
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The is absolutely gentle and pleasant

- James E 10/6/2016

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Every person on the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, especially Dr. Francisco.

- John V 9/15/2016

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Communication was strong.

- Michael H 9/4/2016

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Most accommodating doctor and excellent staff. Amazing doctor. The best corrective...More

- Brettina V 8/6/2016

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Dr. Francisco operates a pain-free practice. In addition, she is warm and personable....More

- Marti G 7/30/2016

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Great experience. Very personable. Very professional. Very caring. :)

- Noel B 7/19/2016

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Dr. Francisco and her staff are very warm and friendly. The office is very clean, and...More

- Anonymous 6/5/2016

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Great cleaning wonderful hygenist,Dr Francisco was so thorough. Explained everything...More

- Brettina V 5/22/2016

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Hands down, superior service. Dr. Melissa is very knowledgeable yet tells you like she's...More

- Sean M 4/14/2016

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My son has some anxiety issues, and Dr. Francisco and her staff were wonderful with him....More

- Benjamin B 3/15/2016

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You want my feedback...? She's the best, sincerely cares about what's going on in your...More

- Thomas C 2/7/2016

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Dr. Francisco is awesome! !!

- Arturo O 1/13/2016

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Great services, professional in every aspect.

- Paul B 12/29/2015

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Dr. Melissa is great!!! Her attention to detail and quality of work is top notch. We...More

- Kana K 12/16/2015

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Dr. Melissa is great!!! Her attention to detail and quality of work is top notch. We...More

- Kana K 12/16/2015

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From my first contact via email to my first office visit, and following visits, every...More

- Pamela C 12/12/2015

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After not going to the dentist for so long I was really afraid to go and see what's...More

- Sandy G 11/7/2015

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My name is spelled Marti, not Marty, but that's the only thing Dr. Francisco's office...More

- Marti G 10/17/2015

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Dr. Francisco was the best dentist I have ever seen! I really appreciated her caring...More

- Elaine H 10/13/2015

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Dr. Francisco is a patient and gentle doctor. She was amazingly calm.

- Annabelle B 10/8/2015

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Very impressed with knowledgeable staff and Dr. Very gentle and detailed.

- Tammy O 9/15/2015

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Dr. Francisco is the best dentist I've ever had and I've had a few. She is very caring...More

- Rachielle L 7/15/2015

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While looking for a local Dentist in the Glendora area, I was fortunate enough to locate...More

- Diego T 7/15/2015

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I left a female dentist who I loved so when I moved to Glendora, I was determined to...More

- Marti G 7/15/2015

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No complaints at all - Excellent Dentist and staff. I'm not new to dental work so you...More

- Anonymous 6/29/2015

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Dentist - Glendora, GlenDental by M. Melissa Francisco, DDS, 410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150, Glendora, CA 91740 (310) 567-7407

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