Atlanta Dental Blog

Cavities…

Probably the most repeated word in the dental lexicon. 

You hear it all the time in toothpaste commercials:  “Fluoride fights cavities.”

 

“But what are they talking about?  What is a cavity?”

 

I’m glad you asked.

 

A cavity is a hole in your tooth that is caused by decay.  Yes, a hole.  Like a hole in your tire or shoe or roof.

 

Ouch.

 

When food particles, mucus, dead cells and bacteria combine in your mouth the result is a destructive material called plaque. Plaque eats the enamel on your tooth.  This is what they mean when they talk about decay and with decay comes the cavity…

 

The hole.

 

The reason you don’t want a hole in your tooth is that the decay will enter and destroy your tooth and you will lose it.  Think extraction or root canal.  Think crowns and bridgework.

 

It sounds horrible!  What can you do? 

Well, let me introduce you to the other most repeated words in the dental lexicon:

 

Brush and Floss.

 

“Good gosh, what is that?  It sounds horrible!”

 

As frightening as those two words may seem, they are your dental salvation.

 

Brush and Floss.  Very simple.

 

“There must be some catch.” I hear you say.

 

“Isn’t there something I can download?”

 

“Surely there is a global solution?”

 

Nope.

 

Sometimes it is the simple things in life that yield the greatest rewards.  Maybe we lose sight of this in this technologically complex new millennium.

 

Keep it simple.

 

Brush your teeth after each meal or snack.  This will remove bacteria, plaque and food particles from all tooth surfaces except in between your teeth.

 

This is where daily flossing comes in.  It is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline where the brush cannot reach.  Flossing disrupts plaque colonies from building up and prevents damage to the gums, teeth and bone.

 

Brush and Floss. 

These two simple actions coupled with regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

 

If you do not have a regular dental program in place we encourage you to establish one immediately. 

If you are in our area, give us a call for a cleaning appointment, we’d love to see how you’re taking to the simple life.

Nutrition and Oral Health  

We would like to touch on a subject many of our patients have enquired about.

Nutrition.

Quite simply put, you can’t have oral health without adequate nutrition.  Minerals and nutrients are essential to help your body’s tissues grow and resist infection.

So which vitamins and minerals are good for me?

There are many minerals and nutrients that benefit the entire body.  Here are some that can specifically help you oral health:

Calcium – Your teeth and jaws are made of mostly calcium. Without enough calcium in your diet, you may become susceptible to developing gum disease and tooth decay.  You will find calcium in cheese, mild yogurt, beans and even oysters.

Iron – Your tongue, if deficient in iron can become inflamed and sores can form inside your mouth.  Some iron rich foods include bran cereals, nuts and spices as well as red meat and liver.  Of course if you don’t eat meat there is a vast array of supplements available on the market.

The B vitamins – Believe it or not a lack of B3 (niacin) can cause bad breath and canker sores.  To boost your B3 levels you can eat chicken and fish. 

Deficiency in B2 (riboflavin) and B12 will also cause mouth sores.  Almonds, pasta, bagels and spinach will help handle your B2 scarcity.  Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt and meats such as pork, liver and fish are good sources of B12.

Vitamin C – As every ancient sailor knows too little vitamin C will lead to bleeding gums and tooth loss.  As discovered in 1753 in the Royal Navy scurvy could be cured with citrus.  Sweet potatoes, raw red peppers and oranges are great sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin D – Vitamin D goes hand in hand with taking Calcium because it helps the body absorb it. A diet lacking or low in vitamin D will cause burning mouth syndrome.  Symptoms include a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth and a burning sensation inside the mouth.  Milk, egg yolks, and fish will increase your vitamin D intake.

Green Tea – Studies by researchers in Japan have found green tea to have some interesting properties regarding oral hygiene which may aid in preventative care.  Green tea contains natural fluorine and it is thought to aid in the reduction of cavities.  

 Yes, some foods may be bad for my mouth. 

Sugar – No kidding!  Candy and snacks like cookies, cakes or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar.  Dental plaque bacteria thrives on sugar to produce acids that can destroy the hard surface of your tooth and cause cavities.

Carbonated sodas also contain extremely high amounts of sugar.  Both diet and regular sodas also contain phosphorous which wears away the enamel on your teeth.  This causes your teeth to become stained and brown. Drinking plenty of water is a healthy alternative to soda and great for oral health too!

Sticky, chewy foods – Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey and syrup can stick to your teeth and make it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar away.

Carbohydrates – Bacteria feed on left-over food particles left in the mouth and produce acid which causes decay.  Carbohydrate-laden foods, such as chips, bread, pasta or crackers can be as harmful to your teeth as candy! 

Please consume these foods in moderation and always be sure to brush and floss your teeth to maintain top oral health.

A regular hygiene program with your dental provider can help diagnose and treat in a timely manner any deficiencies in your oral health.  If you do not have such a program in place, call us at 404-352-5578 to schedule a dental cleaning and comprehensive exam.

Good luck and happy eating!