Dental Tips for the Holiday in philly

Dental Tips for the Holiday Season

/in /by

Let’s talk about Dental Tips for the Holiday since everyone is looking forward to the upcoming Christmas season. Our days are filled with time spent with family and friends, unwrapping gifts, and before we know it we are in the midst of our New Year’s resolutions.

Even though many people are excited to begin the new year, it’s important to make sure you maintain good oral hygiene, even though it may seem like a challenge. Here are eight beneficial dental tips on how to take care of your teeth during the holiday season.

1) Keep Up Your Regular Oral Hygiene Routine

Dental Tips for the Holiday

Remember to brush and floss your teeth before heading off for a good night’s rest amidst all the excitement, hustle and bustle, and fun you have had. We understand that after a long day, you may be tempted to neglect your regular dental care. However, it is imperative that you do not.

Christmas morning is certainly an exciting time for your young children, but it is essential that you supervise them while they brush their teeth for the full three minutes. This is the best protection against the onslaught of sugar that will be directed at their teeth.

Having a toothbrushing kit to take with you is one of the best ways to continue your regular oral hygiene routine when you are away from home. Stash this kit in your purse or travel bag when you go to a holiday party. It can even be used as a tool for situations where food is stuck between your teeth. It is highly recommended to carry a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss or flossers.

It’s possible that you won’t follow these dental tips one hundred percent and won’t floss, brush, gargle or do the other activities associated with good dental hygiene properly during the holiday season.

Okay, you should make an appointment now for your post-holiday dental checkup and cleaning so you can start the new year with flawless, bright, cavity-free teeth.

2) Moderation Is the Word

During the holiday season, there are many types of sweet festive desserts, such as mince pies, Christmas cakes, and Christmas puddings, and they all add up. Their sugar content is usually quite high, although they taste very pleasant.

However, you do not have to completely give up these culinary delights. The main problem is not so much the total amount of sugar, but rather the frequency of consumption of sweet and acidic snacks per day. The risk increases if you put more sugar in your mouth each day than is typical for you.

You should try to reduce the number of sweets you eat. Snacking and drinking throughout the day creates an ideal environment for germs and plaque.

3) Drink Water and Eat Turkey and Cheese!

When the holiday season rolls around, it can be tempting to drink anything but water. However, a sufficient water intake will not only help you avoid a hangover and keep your body healthy, but it will also benefit your teeth. This is one of the most helpful dental tips your dentist can give you.

While water should not replace proper dental hygiene, it does help remove potentially harmful chemicals that would otherwise remain on your teeth. At the beginning of each day, drink a glass of water. Be sure to drink a glass of water between sips of wine, hot cocoa, and other holiday beverages you enjoy throughout the day.

Eating cheesecake for dessert is a wise choice, as cheese is actually very beneficial for your dental health. Feel free to indulge in a cheese plate after Christmas dinner, as cheese helps the mouth restore its normal acid balance, which lowers the risk of developing cavities. Turkey meat is also a healthy choice, because it protects against tooth decay and strengthens the teeth, as it contains both phosphorus and protein.

4) Be Careful With Alcohol

Everyone likes a glass or two of wine, but did you know that white wine can be very acidic, which can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel? In addition, red wine can increase the risk of tooth discoloration.

We recommend drinking either red or white wine with the main course of your dinner. And if you have had several alcoholic beverages, don’t let the festivities distract you from brushing your teeth. It’s crucial to wait at least a few minutes before brushing your teeth so that stains can be removed.

According to dentists, just one glass of wine a day can dry out the mouth, reduce the calcium content of the teeth and lead to unpleasant bad breath. Alcohol consumption is also increasingly associated with an increased risk of oral diseases.

5) Use a Straw When You Drink

Dental Tips for the Holiday

To minimize sugar contact with your teeth, we recommend drinking with a straw. This will reduce the amount of sugar that is in direct contact with your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

6) Chew Sugar-free Gum

Chewing gum promotes saliva production, which in turn helps cleanse the mouth of food debris that may remain in the mouth after a meal. Another benefit of chewing gum is that it keeps your breath fresh, which is obviously very useful at parties. Always keep in mind that gum without sugar is preferable for the health of your teeth.

7) Your Teeth Are Not Scissors

Dental Tips for the Holiday in philly

Don’t try to use your teeth for things they weren’t meant for. Such as ripping open hard packaging and clothing labels or cracking open beer bottles. Instead, invest in tools that are made specifically for these tasks. This can damage your teeth and cause you to need emergency dental care. That’s the last thing you want on holiday!

8) Do Something Nice for Someone You Love

Gift-giving is appropriate on the holidays. Why not give a brand new electric toothbrush to yourself or a family member? We recommend changing your toothbrush regularly (whether it’s a manual toothbrush or an electric brush head). Over time, the bristles become frayed and worn, and the toothbrush’s ability to clean effectively diminishes.

Electric or battery-powered toothbrushes are superior to manual toothbrushes. They have a better ability in reducing plaque and gum disease over short and long periods. Improvements will be evident.

Bottom Line On the Dental Tips for the Holiday

During the holiday season, it can be easy for dental health to fall by temptations that surround you. We hope these dental tips will help you avoid trouble in the new year. Even better, make an appointment at our clinic right at the beginning of the new year. We will help you maintain the beauty and vitality of your smile.

bread is bad for your teeth

5 Common Foods That Are Bad For Your Teeth

/in /by

Do you believe “you are what you eat”? Well, you are, especially when it comes to your teeth. There are many common foods that cause plaque buildup, which can have serious health effects on your teeth.

Plaque is a bacteria-filled sticky film that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. After you eat a sugary snack or meal, the sugars cause the bacteria to release acids that attack tooth enamel. Plus, plaque that’s left on your teeth for a long time can harden into tartar and lead to gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. Here are some common foods that are bad for your oral health:  

 

Bread is bad for your teeth 

bread is bad for your teeth

Yes, bread can be bad for your teeth. Think twice as you walk down the supermarket bread aisle. Bread is a starch – a carbohydrate – and when you chew bread, your saliva breaks down the starches into sugar.  When the bread becomes a gummy paste-like substance in your mouth, it sticks between your teeth. So, that can cause cavities. 

You don’t have to give up on bread completely, instead, choose bread that is less refined and better for your teeth. For example whole wheat bread or bread made from a variety of grains. They’ll contain less added sugar and won’t break down as easily as soft white bread.

 

Ice is bad for your teeth 

Ice is bad for your teeth

Ice is just water so you would think it’s all good right, but it’s not healthy to chew on ice. Chewing on a hard substance can damage enamel and make you susceptible to dental emergencies such as chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, or loose crowns. Ice doesn’t have any sugar, acid, or gummy plaque to worry about. However, ice is for keeping things cool, not for eating.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but chewing ice can still cause damage. Tooth enamel is the first line of defense against cavities, and helps protect teeth from sugar and acid attacks. If tooth enamel is damaged by chewing ice, it can leave a tooth more vulnerable to acid attacks and tooth decay. 

 

Sour candy is bad for your teeth 

sour candy is bad for your oral health

Most people know candy is unhealthy and bad for your teeth. However, sour candy contains more and different kinds of acids that are tougher on your teeth. Sour candies are very acidic – some with a pH level close to the level of battery acid. Some sour candy is so acidic it can actually burn gums and cheeks. Sour candies might have less sugar than most sweet candies but are among the worst things you can eat in terms of oral health.

Plus, because they’re chewy, they stick to your teeth for a longer time, so they’re more likely to cause decay. If you crave sweets, grab a square of chocolate instead, which you can chew quickly and wash away easily. 

 

Potato chips are bad for your teeth 

potato chips are bad for your teeth

Potato chips are so satisfying to eat but it has a lot of starch. The starch becomes sugar that gets trapped on and between the teeth. Potato chips are often coated with sugary spice blends for flavoring which adds to the bacteria in the plaque. Potato chips get stuck in the crevices of our teeth, and bacteria love that, too. Since we often rarely have just one, the acid production from the chips lingers and lasts a while. 

 

Dried fruit is bad for your teeth

 dried fruit is bad for your teeth

Dried fruits are generally considered healthy foods, but they can be very harmful to teeth. Dried fruit is simply fruit that has had its water removed to some extent, leaving a shriveled, smaller version of its original form. Compared to fresh fruit, it’s more shelf-stable. However, some forms of dried fruit have sugar added to improve taste or texture. And some dried fruit is encrusted with sugar crystals or chocolate.

Because dried fruits are sticky, it can be hard to remove them from the grooves and pits of teeth. If bits of dried fruit are trapped in for too long, they decay and the sugar turns to acid. This acid feeds bacteria and helps destroy teeth.

 

Dentists On Washington has been named one of the best dentists in Philadelphia by multiple platforms. We take pride in our 5 Star Google Rating. We’re full-service dentistry providing Oral Care, Cosmetic Implants, Root Canals, Tooth Extraction, Invisalign Treatment, and much more in Philadelphia. We handle emergencies as well! Schedule Your Appointment.

What Are Those Tools At The Dentist?

What Are Those Tools At The Dentist?

/in /by

When visiting your dentist, do you ever wonder what those tools did?  – Or when you walk into Your dentist’s office, the whirr of a drill or the sharp hook of a device you can’t even describe can send chills down your spine. Patients of all ages come to their regular dental checkups with a bit of fear in their eyes. By knowing what each tool does, you might be less anxious every time the dentist goes near your mouth. Here’s a brief guide to help you understand essential dental tools.

 

Mouth Mirror

Mouth Mirror - dentist tools

This harmless round mirror is used by dentists to reach the back of your mouth in order to see teeth that are hard to reach. It is also used to reflect light on a particular surface or soft tissue, allowing the dentist to better decide the best course of treatment for you.  This makes it easier to find tooth decay or other potential oral problems that would otherwise go undetected. Second, it gives the dentist an easy way to move your tongue or push on the inside of your cheek without doing so with their hands.

 

Dental Drill

Dental Drill - dentist tools

Now the dental drill might be the most feared of all tools. The sound of it is enough to make someone very uncomfortable or even scared. However, you will not necessarily suffer pain when we use this tool. It’s the most effective way to remove tooth decay before filling a cavity. This electric drill spins at over 250,000 rpm while shooting water into your mouth.  If the drill didn’t administer water, it would get hot enough to damage the tooth. Therefore, the amount of pain you suffer depends on the procedure rather than the use of this tool.

 

Scalers

Scalers - dentist tools

Scalers are the hooked instruments that your hygienist uses to scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth.  Most patients who require scaling have more significant issues with periodontal disease, but everyone experiences some form of plaque buildup. When you eat or drink, tiny particles such as sugars and acids stick to your teeth, and bacteria forms. This harmful bacteria eventually cause tooth decay, and while brushing and flossing help remove most of this plaque, additional removal is sometimes required. It makes what many think is a very unpleasant scraping sound. While temporarily uncomfortable, you may quickly feel the difference between not having your teeth scaled compared to having them scaled!

 

Saliva Ejector or Suction Device

Saliva Ejector or Suction Device - dentist tools

What’s that little vacuum that sucks up your spit during a treatment? That’s the saliva ejector, which dries your mouth so the dentist can better perform their work. When a dentist is exploring your mouth, they often need a dry surface. A suction device is a long tube attached to a vacuum that removes saliva from your mouth. You may hear some vacuum sounds and feel the ejector stick to your cheek or tongue, but it’s nothing that should startle you. During treatments that involve the use of water, you may be regularly instructed to close your mouth in order to help the device clear the accumulated water.

 

Dental Syringe

Dental Syringe - dentist tools

Local anesthesia is injected into your gum lines through a dental syringe. They’re a bit longer than a typical needle or syringe so the dentist can hit the correct spot when administering the anesthetic. You may feel a slight pinch at first, but that is about it. After that, the local anesthesia will numb the nerves of your tooth and gums so that you won’t feel discomfort during your procedure.  If you’re a bit squeamish around needles, it’s probably in your best interest not to look at them, but it happens so quickly that it’s nothing you should fear.

 

Now you know the tools your dentists use. So the next time you visit the dentist, don’t be frightened by the different instruments that your dentist uses. Here at Dentist On Washington, we will make sure to make you comfortable and answer any questions to ease your fear! 

 

Dentists On Washington has been named one of the best dentists in Philadelphia by multiple platforms. We take pride in our 5 Star Google Rating. We’re full-service dentistry providing Oral Care, Cosmetic Implants, Root Canals, Tooth Extraction, Invisalign Treatment, and much more in Philadelphia. We handle emergencies as well! Schedule Your Appointment.

Teeth sensitivity

Causes and Treatments For Teeth Sensitivity

/in /by

Teeth sensitivity can occur when you consume hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. Pain can be sharp, and sudden, and shoot deep into tooth nerve endings. Sensitive teeth are typically the outcome of used tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Sometimes, notwithstanding tooth discomfort due to other factors, by way of illustration a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a used filling, or gum disease.

 

What causes sudden tooth sensitivity?

Teeth sensitivity

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth. Under the gum line, a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.Many factors can lead to the development of sensitive teeth, here are a few:

Brushing too hard: Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause gum recession (when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth).

Gum recession: Some people are genetically prone to the thin gum tissue. Other people develop gum recession as a result of periodontal disease. With gum recession, your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots.

Gum disease: Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity because of the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.

Teeth grinding: Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.

Age: Teeth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.

Plaque buildup: The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.

Acidic foods: Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.

Recent dental procedures: People can get sensitive teeth after fillings, teeth cleanings, and dental restoration placement. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary and usually disappears in four to six weeks.

 

What can help with teeth sensitivity?

Teeth sensitivity

If your sensitive teeth are bothering you, visit your dentist. So they can rule out any underlying causes of your tooth pain. Depending on the circumstances, your dentist might recommend the following:

Desensitizing toothpaste: This contains compounds that help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are a variety of products available over the counter. Ask your dentist which product might work best for you.

Watch what you eat: Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.

Fluoride gel: An in-office technique that strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations. Your dentist might also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home, applied via a custom tray.

Avoid teeth grinding: If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.

A crown, inlay, or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity. Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces.

Surgical gum graft. If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.

Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem – a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core. 

 

Dentists On Washington has been named one of the best dentists in Philadelphia by multiple platforms. We take pride in our 5 Star Google Rating. We’re full-service dentistry providing Oral Care, Cosmetic Implants, Root Canals, Tooth Extraction, Invisalign Treatment, and much more in Philadelphia. We handle emergencies as well! Schedule Your Appointment.

How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

/in /by

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits, and be made worse by the types of foods you eat, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. It can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. It’s no wonder that store shelves are overflowing with gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath. But many of these products are only temporary measures because they don’t address the cause of the problem.

 

Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause. Some people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor, while others have bad breath and don’t know it. Because it’s difficult to assess how your own breath smells, ask a close friend or relative to confirm your bad-breath questions.

 

How Can Food Cause Bad Breath?

How Can Food Cause Bad Breath?

The food you eat begins to break down in your mouth and is absorbed into your bloodstream and move to the lungs, affecting the air you exhale.  If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing — even mouthwash — merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body. Other common foods that can cause bad breath include:

 

  • Cheese
  • Peanut Butter
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Pastrami
  • Certain spices
  • Orange juice or soda
  • Alcohol etc.

Surprisingly, being hungry can also contribute to the development of bad breath, as not eating for long periods can reduce the amount of saliva your mouth produces. This can lead to dry mouth. When your mouth becomes dry, bacteria that contribute to causing unpleasant smells have an easier time multiplying. Being hungry also causes changes in the bacteria and enzymes your mouth produces, which can occasionally cause weird smells to develop.

 

Treatments To Getting Rid Of Bad Breath

Treatments To Getting Rid Of Bad Breath

To reduce bad breath, help avoid cavities and lower your risk of gum disease, consistently practice good oral hygiene. Further treatment for bad breath can vary, depending on the cause. If your bad breath is thought to be caused by an underlying health condition, your dentist will likely refer you to your primary care provider. Also, for causes related to oral health, your dentist will work with you to help you better control that condition. Dental measures may include:

 

Mouth rinses and toothpaste. If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup.

 

Scrape your tongue. The coating that normally forms on your tongue can be a host for smelly bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. If your brush is too big to comfortably reach the back of your tongue, try a scraper. It will apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area. This removes bacteria, food debris, and dead cells.

 

Moisten your mouth. You can get tooth decay and bad breath if you don’t make enough saliva. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy. Also, try a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your house.

 

Treatment of dental disease. If you have gum disease, you may be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist). Gum disease can cause gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving deep pockets that fill with odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes only professional cleaning removes these bacteria. Your dentist might also recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations, a breeding ground for bacteria.

 

See your doctor. If your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll check to see if your problems are related to a medical condition.

 

Dentists On Washington has been named one of the best dentists in Philadelphia by multiple platforms. We take pride in our 5 Star Google Rating. We’re full-service dentistry providing Oral Care, Cosmetic Implants, Root Canals, Tooth Extraction, Invisalign Treatment, and much more in Philadelphia. We handle emergencies as well! Schedule Your Appointment.

                                                    

Smiling Improves Your Mood

How Smiling Affects Overall Health

/in /by

There are many benefits to showing your pearly whites. Smiling can help relieve stress, and boost your mood. While smiling can improve your mental health, it might also impact the health of your teeth and gums. If you’re not confident about your smile, Dentists On Washington offers a variety of dentistry services like teeth whitening, veneers, and other services that can help give you the smile you want.

When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress. Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins come into play too. The endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, whereas the serotonin is an antidepressant. 

 

Smiling is a natural pain reliever

 

When you smile, your neurons tell your body you’re happy or excited and your body releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin – the neurotransmitters that make you feel great. There are many benefits to having those endorphins released, but one is that it’s a natural pain reliever. And the even better news? There are no negative side effects with this pain reliever.

 

It’s not just smiling that affects your mood. Some studies show that limiting frowning relieved depression in 27% of the patients studied. So, swap that frown for a smile and watch the mood-altering effects. 

 

Furthermore, smiling can boost your immune system. When you’re more relaxed, your immune system functions more effectively. A stronger immune system can protect you from dental health issues like infections and inflammation.

 

Lowers Blood Pressure

Smiling Lowers Blood Pressure

Laughter increases heart rate followed by muscle relaxation. This is followed by lowering the heart rate and blood pressure which reduces the risk of developing heart disease and prevents the buildup of fat and cholesterol. It was noted that this was followed by a period of muscle relaxation, lower heart rate, and lower blood pressure. 

 

When we are stressed, our heart rate increases and our blood pressure rises. Just like smiling through a worrying situation can help lower stress levels, smiling can also help lower blood pressure. According to Chris Norris, “smiling and laughing initially increases heart rate, then relaxes the muscle, and eventually decreases the heart rate and blood pressure.” Smiling isn’t just an expression you can wear, but a way to improve your overall health. More laughter could help reduce someone’s risk of developing heart disease!

 

Improves Your Mood

Smiling is a natural pain reliever

Smiling and laughing cause a number of physiological changes in your brain without you being consciously aware of it. For example, your brain releases endorphins, which will help you feel happier and be more positive. One study found that facial expressions, such as smiling, will improve your mood and increase positive thoughts. A study conducted by psychological scientists at the University of Kansas found that “smiling during brief stressors can help to reduce the intensity of the body’s stress response, regardless of whether a person actually feels happy.”

 

Smiling portrays confidence. The more you smile and the happier you are, the more self-confident you become. Smiling helps you seem more attractive, successful, and self-assured to others.

 

The health benefits of smiling are clearly well worth it!

It’s going to improve your well-being, give you a more positive feeling in life, and reduce the physical symptoms of stress. And you just need to flex a few facial muscles to reap the benefits. 

So try to spend time with friends who make you laugh, go to a comedy club, watch a funny movie or try laughter yoga! Spontaneous laughter is best but even if it’s forced at first you will still enjoy better health.

If missing teeth are preventing you from smiling then why not consider dental implants. They look and feel like real teeth making them an excellent solution to replace any missing teeth. 

 

Dentists On Washington has been named one of the best dentists in Philadelphia by multiple platforms. We take pride in our 5 Star Google Rating. We’re full-service dentistry providing Oral Care, Cosmetic Implants, Root Canals, Tooth Extraction, Invisalign Treatment, and much more in Philadelphia. We handle emergencies as well! Schedule Your Appointment.

Tooth Decay

How Sugar Destroys Your Teeth 

/in /by

It’s common knowledge that sugar is bad for your teeth – sugar destroys your teeth and causes tooth decay. Proper dental health positively contributes to your mental, physical and social well-being, allowing you to enjoy all of life’s potential. Specifically, it allows you to eat, speak and socialize free of discomfort, pain, and embarrassment, the Canadian Dental Association says.

 

The Dangers of Sugar for Your Teeth

Your mouth is full of bacteria — many are beneficial, while others are harmful. The harmful bacteria feed on the sugar you consume and create acids that attack and damage your tooth enamel, the protective, shiny outer layer of your teeth. The acids from a bacterial infection could lead to cavities and cause holes in your teeth. Left untreated, cavities can advance past your enamel into your tooth’s deeper layers, leading to potential tooth loss and pain.

 

Fortunately, while the acids frequently attack your teeth, your mouth continually reverses the damage. Your mouth is in a constant state of demineralization, where acids are leeching the minerals from your tooth enamel. However, the natural remineralization process restores and strengthens your teeth once again. Your saliva plays a crucial role in this process — it contains essential minerals like phosphates and calcium, which are influential in repairing your teeth.

 

Sugar Attracts Bad Bacteria and Lowers Your Mouth’s pH

Sugar is like a magnet for bad bacteria. The two destructive bacteria found in the mouth are Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus. Both of them feed on the sugar you eat and form dental plaque, which is a sticky, colorless film that forms on the surface of the teeth. If the plaque is not washed away by saliva or brushing, the environment in the mouth becomes more acidic and cavities may start to form.

 

The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a solution is, with 7 being neutral. When the pH of plaque drops below normal, or less than 5.5, the acidity starts to dissolve minerals and destroy the tooth’s enamel. In the process, small holes or erosions will form. Over time, they will become larger, until one large hole or cavity appears.

Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay

 

  • Sugar has a direct connection to tooth decay
  • After eating foods that contain sugar, these molecules combine with saliva and bacteria present in the mouth. This combination leads to plaque in the teeth
  • Left on teeth, plaque can dissolve enamel, which leads to cavities
  • To control bacteria and plaque on teeth, brush as soon as possible after eating

 

Gum Disease

  • Sugar destroys your teeth and leads to gum disease in the mouth. Once gum disease starts, it may advance if untreated
  • Gum disease can advance to periodontitis, which involves both gum tissues and the bones beneath the gums
  • The bacteria associated with periodontitis can travel throughout the body, invading joints, connective tissue, and organs such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs
  • Gum disease can lead to coronary artery disease. Bacteria that accumulate from periodontitis can cause blood clots that clog arteries
  • Marietta oral surgery may be necessary to treat advanced gum disease
  • A Marietta periodontist is available to assist with advanced periodontitis
  • Marietta cosmetic dentists assist patients with the appearance of teeth to resolve issues

 

The Different Types of Sugars 

The Different Types of Sugars

Sugar is sugar, no matter the form — including:

  • Maple syrup
  • Honey
  • Granulated
  • Molasses

And, don’t let incognito sugar fool you, either. Many manufacturers use sly pseudonyms to trick you into believing they don’t pack their food with sugar. Some examples of this are:

  • Corn syrup
  • Amazake
  • Fructose
  • Carob powder
  • Honey
  • Evaporated cane juice
  • Maltose
  • Dextrose
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Fruit juice concentrate

No matter what form it comes in, sugar destroys your teeth and can cause cavities. Learning why sugar is bad for your teeth is a sensible start in preventing cavities.

Dentists On Washington has been named one of the best dentists in Philadelphia by multiple platforms. We take pride in our 5 Star Google Rating. We’re full-service dentistry providing Oral Care, Cosmetic Implants, Root Canals, Tooth Extraction, Invisalign Treatment, and much more in Philadelphia. We handle emergencies as well! Schedule Your Appointment.