Almost everyone knows that sugar intake can cause tooth decay. But not all people are aware of the exact mechanisms. Most Rancho Cucamonga Dentists will tell you, It’s not the sugar itself that does the damage, but instead the set of events that takes place after you eat that piece of cake.
This is how you can keep tooth decay from ruining your oral health by taking specific steps.
How Cavities Are Made
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the mouth is home to hundreds of bacteria. Many of these bacteria are beneficial to the oral ecosystem. However, harmful oral bacteria can actually thrive on sugars that you eat and create acids that destroy tooth enamel.
Cavities can be caused by an acid-producing bacteria. They cause gaps in your teeth. Rancho Cucamonga Dentists warn that cavities can spread beyond the enamel to the deeper layers of the teeth, causing pain, and possibly even tooth loss.
The Mouth: A never ending battle
Acids are constantly attacking your teeth, but this is not permanent. Acids can strip minerals from enamel by what is called demineralization.
Remineralization is a natural process that replaces these minerals and strengthens teeth. Your saliva is an important part of this process. To aid in the repair of teeth, saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphates. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists say that Fluoride is another mineral that assist with repairing weakened enamel.
However, replacing the minerals lost can only help to reduce the impact of sugary foods and drinks on your teeth. If you want your mouth to heal, it is important to reduce your sugar intake.
These are great steps to help you Remineralize Tooth Enamel
To help your teeth absorb minerals, it is a good idea to stimulate saliva flow and reduce sugar consumption. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists say that chewing sugarless gum and incorporating fibrous vegetables and fruits into your diet are great ways to salivate.
To strengthen your teeth, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products contain calcium and phosphates. They are better snacks than starchy or sugary treats.
Green and black teas also contain ingredients that suppress harmful oral bacteria. Therefore, adding a few cups of green or black tea to your daily routine — with no sugar — can help maintain a healthy balance in your mouth.
According to the American Dental Association, fluoride can also prevent tooth decay and reverse it early, as well.
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists suggest that you drink lots of fluoridated tap water and brush your teeth regularly with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. This will remove sugar-dependent germs for up 12 hours.
To prevent the harmful effects of sugary foods on your teeth, you must be vigilant. Encourage your children not to eat sugar, to brush their teeth regularly and to eat healthy foods that will strengthen their teeth.
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists say that if you add regular dental visits and fluoride treatments to the combination, and that’s the way you have the best shot at winning the battle against tooth decay.
To avoid fillings in the future, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists suggest that you make sure that you brush your teeth twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste, which repairs weakened tooth enamel and assist in defending teeth against cavities.
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