Different foods and eating habits can greatly affect your teeth and gums.

All foods, but especially foods that contain sugars and starches, can contribute to tooth decay. When bacteria (plaque) comes into contact with sugar or starch in the mouth, acid is produced. It is this acid which literally dissolves the enamel of the tooth to initial the decay process. The acid attack continues as long as there is food debris and bacteria present. Proper oral hygiene is a major part of the answer along with limiting exposure to high sugar foods and drinks.

At West 10th Dental Group, we are now seeing a new epidemic of decay! Especially in the teenager and young adult, dental decay is beginning to escalate. The culprit is the consumption of sodas and sports drinks between meal.

Soda and many sports drinks not only contain the sugar mentioned above, but they are themselves highly acidic! Some sodas are only slightly less acidic than battery acid! With increased access to such drinks in schools and the workplace, dental decay is at an all time high.

Avoiding all sugars, starches, and snacks is not a healthy approach, nor a realistic one. Drinking the occasional soda with a meal is not terribly damaging. Additionally, steps can be taken to ensure you can enjoy the foods you love and still maintain a healthy smile!

• Maintain a balanced diet
• Rinse with water after eating
• Drink non-acidic low sugar drinks when thirsty (water)
• Brush & Floss after eating whenever possible
• Brush at least twice daily
• Floss at least once everyday
• See us at West 10th Dental Group

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