Parkland Pacific Dental
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Dr. Jennifer Idziorek, DDS
    • Meet the Staff
  • Services
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Meet the Staff

Blog

Blog posts written by our Dentists and All Star Staff

CALL NOW 253-531-1177

5 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay

5/19/2016

14 Comments

 
At it’s most simplistic level, tooth decay is caused by bacteria in our mouths that eat sugar (or simple carbohydrates) and create acid as a waste product.  If the acid concentration builds up to a level where the pH drops below 5.5, the tooth structure starts to dissolve away causing tooth decay.  Your body’s natural defense, saliva flow, helps wash away sugars, acid, and help neutralize the acid attack.  Most everyone knows about brushing and flossing, but here are five additional tips to help prevent tooth decay:

  1. The amount of time that teeth are exposed to sugar is more of a risk than the total amount of sugar. These bacteria can only convert a certain amount of sugar at a time so even a highly sugary drink finished quickly will convert to less acid than if it is sipped over a long period of time.
  2. Natural sugars (cane sugar, honey, etc) and simple carbohydrates (white bread, crackers, cereal) convert to acid and cause decay just like processed sugar or corn syrup.  The bacteria don’t discriminate on whether the sugar is natural or from Whole Foods.  Enzymes in your saliva convert simple carbohydrates to sugars right in your mouth.
  3. Fluoride exposure to your teeth temporarily increases their resistance to acid.  Fluoride exposure from toothpaste, varnish or gel applied at the dentist, or in drinking water all do this.  Like the sugar exposure, time is more important than the total amount so using a fluoride tooth paste is a great way to prevent tooth decay.
  4. Dry Mouth is a major risk factor for tooth decay.  A reduction in saliva flow is common as we get older, and is also a very common side effect from many prescription medications.  With less saliva, your teeth get less protection.
  5. Most tooth decay is not symptomatic until the decay approaching the nerve at the center of the tooth.  Get regular checkups and x-rays to catch cavities early.  This allows you to benefit from early intervention like small fillings or fluoride treatments instead of more involved treatment like root canals.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve had your teeth checked, make an appointment today to come see us!  Thanks for reading- Justin Sjulson DDS, FAGD

Parkland Pacific Dental
253-531-1177
14 Comments

    RSS Feed

    Author

    Parkland Pacific Dental

    Archives

    August 2024
    August 2023
    May 2021
    September 2020
    November 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015

    Categories

    All

Home
About Us
Dr Jennifer Idziorek

Meet the Staff
Services
Testimonials
Contact us


(253) 531-1177
12001 Pacific Ave S, Suite 101
Tacoma, WA 98444
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Dr. Jennifer Idziorek, DDS
    • Meet the Staff
  • Services
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Meet the Staff