You know that you shouldn’t eat too much sugar. Sugar is notoriously bad for your oral health and overall health. You’ve heard that sugar causes cavities, but is that true? How does sugar lead to tooth decay, and how can you prevent cavities yourself? As your dentist in Rockland County, NY, we want to clarify how sugar intake can impact cavity formation and provide tips to help prevent cavities.
How Are Cavities Formed?
Your mouth contains helpful bacteria that keep your teeth and gums strong. But sometimes, harmful bacteria can infiltrate if you do not properly care for your smile.
Sugars and starches left on the teeth attract harmful bacteria. These bacteria feed on the sugars and starches, creating digestive acids that coat the teeth and gums. These acids will wear down the tooth, creating a hole or pit. If you have a cavity, you will eventually need a dental filling. If the cavity grows too large, you will need a root canal to remove infected vessels and nerves from your dead tooth.
Cavity Prevention Tips From Your Dentist in Rockland County
Follow these tips to prevent dental cavities and ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy:
Drink Water
When you drink enough water, you help combat problems like dry mouth, which attracts harmful bacteria to the mouth. Water also increases saliva production, which prevents tooth decay. Saliva washes away food particles from the mouth.
Watch Your Sugar Intake
Sugar can hide where you least expect it. While many desserts or snacks can be high in sugar, drinks are no exception. Alcoholic juices, energy drinks, iced tea, and lemonade can have more than your daily recommended intake of sugar. If you drink beverages other than water, consider the sugar content before drinking. Sugary drinks can easily coat the teeth and gums.
Brush and Floss Daily
When you brush, brush for two minutes twice a day. If you use a manual toothbrush, brush in circular motions. Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent damage to your teeth. Remember to floss before you brush.
Get Professional Dental Cleanings
We provide dental cleanings at routine dental visits to help remove bacterial buildup that contributes to tooth decay and other problems like tooth decay. Only dentists can remove tartar and calculus buildup from the smile. Visiting our office twice a year for a routine cleaning can remove bacterial buildup and prevent cavities.
Receive Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens the tooth enamel or the outer layer of the tooth. We can provide fluoride treatment during your dental cleaning in our office.
We will apply a fluoride varnish to the teeth, where it will stay for four to six hours before you can eat or brush your teeth. The fluoride will help strengthen and remineralize the teeth.
Call your dentist in Rockland County (845) 241-0656. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Cosmetic Dentistry Associates online.