Although everybody should brush and floss twice a day, some foods pose a greater risk to oral health than others. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, we frequently repair decayed and eroded teeth, providing patients with crowns and veneers that are beautiful and dependable. But prosthetic teeth need to be cared for just like natural teeth, so we thought it would be a good idea to detail how diet contributes to tooth decay.
Tooth decay is caused by the acid oral bacteria produce as they metabolize sugar. Most decay-causing bacteria eat debris left over from our own food, with simple sugars being easier for them to metabolize. They have longer to feed on debris caught between teeth, so sticky food allows them to produce more acid. But there are also substances, including citric juice and soda, that are acidic in their own right and erode teeth directly. Citric juice is commonly used as a sour flavoring in candy and energy gel, so patients need to make sure they drink water to rinse it off quickly.
Some foods are likelier to trigger a different source of acid. Red meat, caffeine, alcohol, garlic, and onions may contribute to acid reflux. When this happens, acid rises from the stomach and enters the oral cavity, eroding the back teeth. Sealants can help protect teeth from acid reflux, but patients who suffer from it frequently may need to change their diets and use toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth.
Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.
No comments:
Post a Comment