But there are certain things that many of our patients don't know about cavities that could save them a trip to our East Aurora, New York office! Dental Hygiene Reminders. The Link Between Sugar and Cavities. Our ultimate goal is to help you understand how to achieve and maintain a healthy smile for life. We've already talked about the pH neutralizing effect saliva has. What is the most common cause of tooth decay? For instance, people undergoing cancer therapy tend to experience dry mouth and saliva reduction. Your dentist will notice early stages of dental cavities before you can.
Since brushing cannot reach these areas, individuals who fail to floss daily allow these harmful substances to buildup between their teeth where they can begin to contribute to tooth decay. How Sugar Indirectly Causes Cavities. That's when the outermost layer of your tooth is starting to decalcify and weaken, usually because of plaque buildup, inadequate oral hygiene, or diet choices. Flossing helps to remove lingering food particles and plaque from areas of your mouth that a toothbrush can't reach, such as between your teeth and along the gum line. After all, there's a reason your dentist in Ann Arbor isn't a huge fan of the stuff.
Diet sodas may not contain sugar, but they are acidic and do stain your tooth surface, so they're still not great for your teeth. A pediatric dentist is likely to catch tooth decay well before you do. Ever since you were a kid, your dentist has warned you that too much sugar will rot your teeth and cause cavities. Can you get cavities if you don't eat sugar cube. Having said that, if you snack all day, letting the bacteria hang out for 8 hours at a time, it's hard for your enamel to keep up. After all, sugar is one of the leading causes of cavities in both children and adults. Too much of these foods will increase your risk of developing cavities. Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar alcohol that is proven to support a healthy oral microbiome. Regular Dental Exams—Early intervention is one of the most effective tools against cavities.
That includes starches. Mouthwash doesn't replace brushing or flossing, but it's a great add-on to complement your plaque control. The good news is that while cavities continue to be an incredibly common dental problem, they are typically easy to treat and there are things you can do to help reduce the likelihood of needing a filling from your dentist in Gainesville. The longer sugar hangs out in your mouth, the more time bacteria has to munch and release it's harmful acid. Our best defense against tooth decay is to minimize the length of time for this pH drop. Does sugar cause cavities. So if you happen to be someone that only drinks bottled water or uses fluoride-free toothpaste, it's good to keep an eye on your teeth' fluoride. If you brush and floss regularly your post-braces teeth should be pearly white, although if you eat too much sugar while wearing braces you might find a spotty surprise. That is how cavities begin to form. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about sugar's correlation with cavities. Once the enamel is eroded from a part of your tooth, decay starts to set in, and a small hole forms.
So if sugar isn't to blame, then what is? To schedule a dental examination today, call our team or request an appointment online. The two most concerning are acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and foods with a lot of carbohydrates. While this explanation about cavities may suffice when explaining tooth decay to children, it actually fails to explain many important aspects of cavities that every adult should know. From pediatric to family dentistry, we've got you covered. Steering clear of sweet treats can help reduce the risk of cavities, but there's another ingredient you should be aware of that can also lead to decay. Unfortunately, sugar is also the criminal responsible for most of our cavities and tooth decay. Rinsing with water between meals can also be helpful if you're between brushing sessions. Otherwise, that's about 40% of your smile's surfaces that aren't being cleaned. Can you get cavities if you don't eat sugar bad. If you're someone who absolutely can't live without sugary treats and drinks, there are many ways you can prevent getting cavities while still giving in to your sweet tooth.
The lower the pH of a food or beverage, the more acidic it is. Surprising Things The Cause Cavities. These bacteria live in our mouth all the time. Dental probiotics may support a healthy oral microbiome, which can help slow or prevent tooth decay. Not only does water wash out acids and food particles like saliva, water also hydrates your mouth (preventing dry mouth) and hydrates your body (preventing all the complications that come with dehydration). Everyone has differently shaped teeth. "But, when we eat sugar we're basically feeding that bacteria which mixes with the sugar and produces acid which rots our teeth. 3- Can be snacked on/carried around with a child for a long period of time.