We get so many questions every day and one of the most common ones is teeth whitening.
Carbohydrates are sugary and starchy foods, which sticks in our teeth — and if you are not brushing properly, flossing, nor visitin your dentist regularly – the build-up of plaque can cause problems in your mouth.
What is tooth decay and how it is linked to eating carbs? What can we do to avoid getting cavities? Learn more about carbohydrates and tooth decay — and good dental hygiene tips — to help keep your smile sparkling!
The process of tooth decay begins with bacteria in your mouth.
Eating carbohydrates trigger the microorganism to make acid in your mouth. Acid dig into the protecting enamel layer of your tooth and begins to make a cavity. Once the cavity is made, it’s uphill to revive the structure of the tooth.
The foods that contain carbohydrates are those all kinds of rice, bread, fruits, and vegetables. So, does this mean you need to stop eating these foods? No! however, you need to just eliminate carbohydrates with a microorganism that causes cavities.
What makes the presence of microorganism forming acid could be a constant intake of carbohydrates into the mouth, like sugary drinks. sugary drinks, power drinks, and tasteful drinks can cause sticking carbohydrates within the mouth to combine with a microorganism, which forms acid.
If you fill your mouth with liquids that are slowly killing your teeth, you’ll eventually produce the acid that makes dental cavities.
Avoid eating sticky carbs that cling to your teeth. If the food is stuck to your teeth it provides a constant source of food to the bacteria, causing more erosion.
Rinse out your mouth and floss after eating. Don’t brush immediately after eating though, since that makes the acid action that’s taking place on your teeth worse.
You can do this by chewing gum after a meal, this stimulates the production of saliva, neutralizing the acid in the mouth. Also, try avoiding carbonated beverages and orange juice, since those drinks are extremely acidic.
Try avoiding extremely acidic foods like carbonated beverages and orange juice. If you o drink them, make sure to follow it up with a swirl of fluoridated water in order to rinse away the acid, lower mouth acidity, and promote the remineralization of the tooth.
Have your carbs as part of a meal instead of snacking on them throughout the day. This limits your mouth to carbohydrate exposure only during meal times.
Switch to sugar-free liquids to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.
Be certain to floss after meals and brush your teeth at least twice daily. Rinsing with a bacteria preventative mouthwash is a big plus as well. Lots of the foods you love and enjoy, especially during BBQ season, will contain carbohydrates that will aid in the production of acid. Keeping yourself aware of what you eat and drink will help as a reminder to keep your mouth rinsed with sugar-free liquids. Water is your best solution.
To complete your preventive care, visit your dental hygienist at least two times annually. Your dental hygienist can detect a myriad of problems through a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. After each visit with your hygienist, your dentist will review the exam and consult with you for any treatment needed.
Taking good care of your teeth will reward you with good health for your body. Call the office of Dr. Stella Oh today and make a preventative care appointment to get on the road to a healthier mouth and a healthier you.
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