You often hear that sugar is the number one enemy to your teeth, but do you know why that is? It's not actually sugar itself that causes damage to your teeth, it's more about the chain of events that sugar causes to happen in your mouth after you eat it. Your dentist in Birmingham, AL shares more about the devastating effects of sugar to your oral health.
Sugar and Acids
There are many types of bacteria that reside in your mouth, some are good, and some are bad. Sugar is the fuel that the bad bacteria uses to produce the acids that cause tooth decay. The good news is that saliva contains minerals that actually help to repair your teeth, so there is hope to repair the damage that the acids cause to your tooth enamel.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies help to neutralize those damage causing acids when you eat them, and they also increase saliva flow which helps to wash away excess food debris in your mouth. Try adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. It's not only good for your overall health, it's also good for your oral health.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is also a mineral that helps repair and rebuild weakened tooth enamel. Fluoride can be found in certain types of water, in toothpastes, and in treatments you receive from your dentist. Fluoride treatments can help to rebuild damaged teeth and strengthen and protect healthy teeth from tooth decay and cavities.
Dental Cleanings in Birmingham AL
Dr. Aaron Cook and his team want to be your partners in optimum oral health. We strive to teach you about your oral health at every cleaning and check up appointment, so you can improve your home care routine and make educated decisions about your oral health. We provide high-quality dental care in a warm and friendly environment, and we welcome patients of all ages to our practice. Give us a call today and schedule your next dental appointment.