The holidays bring lots of tempting goodies and sweet treats. While many of us worry about our waistlines, how many of us think about how foods can affect our oral health? Yes, sugary drinks and sweets can cause cavities, but did you know that nibbling on crackers or potato chips, can also cause tooth decay? Processed carbohydrates, such as white bread and chips, break down in your mouth, converting into simple sugars. Bacteria on your teeth feed on these sugars and create acids which dissolve minerals inside the tooth enamel, known as “demineralization”. Some sticky foods, like dried fruits, adhere to the teeth, particularly the molars, causing acids to harm your teeth long after you stop eating them. The good news is your teeth can also regain minerals, known as “remineralization”. Your saliva helps minerals to rebuild in your teeth, as does fluoride and some foods. Drinking plenty of water, eating foods high in calcium and fiber, and chewing sugar-free gum are simple ways to increase saliva production and remineralization of your teeth.
Have Decay? Don’t Delay!
Many people are completely unaware they have a cavity forming. During regular dental check-ups, your dentist can identify a cavity in its early stages, before symptoms such as a toothache or sensitivity appear. An undiagnosed cavity can lead to more serious health problems.
How to Have Your Cake and Eat it Too
I know how challenging it can be. During the holidays, the lunchroom at my practice frequently has a bounty of treats from our wonderful patients and staff. So how can we still indulge our occassional “sweet tooth” and not get cavities? By brushing and flossing between meals and snacks, drinking plenty of water, and having regular dental check-ups, we can keep our smiles healthy and decay-free.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Mission Trails Dentistry!
Bradley A. Ross, DDS owns Mission Trails Dentistry, located at 6902 Navajo Road at Jackson Drive.
Dr. Ross welcomes questions from readers at dentistrysandiego@gmail.com 619-582-9700
