Cavities may start out small, but they have the potential to become large enough to compromise a tooth. We know that foods containing sugar are bad for our teeth, such as soda and candy. But what are some surprising foods that can cause cavities?

Sweetened Yogurt

Yogurt typically contains high amounts of calcium which can benefit teeth, but unless the label says “unsweetened”, you could be consuming much more sugar than you think. Sweetened yogurts are usually those that are flavored, whether they’re vanilla or fruit flavored. These yogurts can contain as much sugar as a can of soda, which can hurt your teeth and cause cavities over time.

Yogurts often masquerade as a health food, but choose unsweetened yogurts for all the benefits without the added sugar [1]!

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits that contain high amounts of vitamin C are certainly beneficial for our bodies and even for our gum health. However, the acid content of these fruits can harm our tooth enamel, especially if eaten without water or when we have a dry mouth.

These fruits include lemons, strawberries, and oranges. You can still enjoy these fruits, just consume water with them and always wait a minimum of 30 minutes to brush your teeth afterward!

White Bread and Chips

White bread tends to be soft and sticky, which can get stuck to our teeth and contribute to tooth decay [2]. Any type of white, soft bread has the potential to hurt your teeth as it’s made from simple carbohydrates which can quickly break down into sugar.

The same is true for chips such as potato chips and even crackers, which can get stuck in the deeper grooves present on our molars and cause acids that attack tooth enamel. For healthier choices, crunch on raw veggies or skip the bread in favor for a lettuce wrap!

Pickles and Pickled Vegetables

Pickles and pickled vegetables including fermented foods (think sauerkraut) are high in acid. Although these foods can be healthy, many people aren’t aware that the acid content can damage tooth enamel.

In fact, research has shown that pickles are one of the main foods that can contribute to tooth decay as the result of their effect on tooth enamel [3]. You can still enjoy pickles and fermented foods, but always consume them with water to help neutralize the acidic effect on your oral cavity.

Do you love of any of the above foods? If so, you can still continue to enjoy them, just take precautions and be aware of the fact that they can hurt your teeth and contribute to cavity formation. You can also visit your dentist for regular checkups to protect your teeth even more against tooth decay!

Sources:
1. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/09/19/649689591/yogurt-may-not-be-so-healthy-if-its-pumped-full-of-sugar
2. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4062
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/4811747

The post These Unexpected Foods May Be Giving You Cavities appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

So why would a cavity form under your dental filling? Here’s how decay can creep in under your
filling and cause a new cavity.

The Filling Has Been Damaged

If your filling sustains any type of damage, whether it’s from everyday wear and tear or you
accidentally injure it, you open up your vulnerable tooth to bacteria that can cause a new cavity
to form underneath your filling.

Such activities that can damage fillings may include grinding your teeth, chewing on ice, or
chewing on hard, sticky foods, such as candy. A damaged filling needs speedy repair by your
dentist; although unfortunately, some people don’t know that their filling has been damaged,
which is why regular checkups are so important!

Your Dental Filling Is Dated

Filling materials can become damaged over time or worn out. Your filling does have a life
expectancy depending on its material. For example, silver amalgam fillings have a life
expectancy of 10-15 years while composite resin fillings have a lifespan of 5-7 years.

Fillings experience everyday wear from your regular mouth functions of biting and chewing.
This wear and tear can cause the seal that binds your dental filling to your tooth to wear down,
which can cause bacteria to slip underneath the filling and begin damaging the tooth again.
In addition, for some patients, the seal is not initially created properly, which can lead to a
shortened lifespan of the filling and the need for early replacement.

Your Filling Is Too Large

If your cavity was a large one and there wasn’t enough existing tooth structure to properly
support the filling, your filling may be faulty and allow for decay to begin forming again
underneath. Typically, fillings like these will instead require a dental crown.

If your dentist attempted to fill your cavity to protect the tooth when there should have been a
crown, you may be more at risk for the filling to allow decay to form—or your filling may simply
fall out—and you’ll need to get a dental crown at some point.

Are you concerned that a new cavity may be forming under your dental fillings? The best way to
determine the health of your dental fillings is to visit your dentist for an exam. These fillings are
best evaluated by a professional, and your dentist can tell you if your fillings are in good shape,
if they need repair, or if you have decay underneath. Getting your fillings examined can help
prevent cavities from forming underneath!

The post Can Cavities Form Under Dental Fillings? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

In fact, tooth enamel is porous, which means it can be affected by the things that we eat or
drink. It’s especially susceptible to damage when proper oral hygiene isn’t being practiced,
which can lead to erosion of the tooth enamel.

Which beverages can erode enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity and decay?

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most damaging beverages for your smile. Not only is it corrosive, but it can
stain teeth if you’re a red wine drinker. Alcohol can quickly work to erode tooth enamel if you
don’t rinse your mouth with water. Going to sleep after a night of drinking without brushing
your teeth is the worst! If you drink alcohol, sip with water and be sure to limit your
consumption as much as possible. Alcohol is also a risk factor for oral cancer!

Soda

Soda’s sugar content makes it a huge culprit when it comes to eating away at tooth decay.
Unfortunately, diet sodas aren’t much better—their artificial sweeteners tend to be very acidic
too, which can also damage tooth enamel. Soda is not a safe beverage choice for your smile and
is best avoided or enjoyed in moderation at most. Instead, enjoy seltzer water, which is easier
on your enamel and bonus: it has less calories!

Fruit Juice

Fruit juice might seem like the healthier choice compared to alcohol or soda. However, this
simply isn’t true. Fruit juice—especially those made from citrus fruits—can result in just as
much enamel damage as soda or alcohol. These types of juices include orange juice, lemonade,
grapefruit juice, and even cranberry juice. Juice should also be enjoyed in moderation followed
by water, and children shouldn’t have juice as their main source of fluid intake.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks provide double trouble for those seeking a boost. They not only contain caffeine,
which tends to be acidic on teeth, but also sugar. Don’t forget that artificial sweeteners can be
just as damaging. Some research shows that energy drinks are actually worse for your teeth
than soda! Instead, make your own energy drink with water, a pinch of sea salt, and some fresh
fruit, or enjoy coconut water instead.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are another tooth enamel nightmare. They often contain acidic dyes and sugar,
making them not too different from soda. Sports drinks are marketed as being healthier and
safer than soda, although research is lacking to prove this is true. When it comes to your tooth
enamel, water still remains your safest bet. Skip the sports drinks to help your teeth!

Our mouths are hugely affected by the foods and drinks we choose to consume. You can
choose to skip the above drinks to help protect your tooth enamel. Through making healthier
beverage choices and keeping up with your oral hygiene, you can be sure to have healthy tooth
enamel and reduce your risk of cavities and sensitive teeth!

The post Which Beverages Erode Tooth Enamel? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Trauma to the Tooth

If one of your teeth has experienced any type of trauma, this could be the cause for its
discoloration. This trauma could include getting into an accident whether as a child or as an
adult, such as a car accident or falling and injuring your mouth.

When your tooth is injured, bleeding can happen inside the tooth. Bleeding will often cause a
bluish-gray tinge to the tooth, almost like a bruise. However, bleeding can also cause a tooth to
become brown or yellow. As a result of the trauma, your tooth’s root may die. When the root
dies, this can lead to a brown or gray appearance that sticks out from the other teeth.

Staining from Food or Medicine

We know that certain foods and drinks have the ability to stain our teeth. Whether it’s from
harmful behaviors such as tobacco use or from drinking coffee and wine, some teeth may be
more resistant to staining than others. Enamel is porous and while it can help protect teeth
from staining when it’s strong, it could be the cause for staining when it’s weak.

Medicine could also be the cause of your tooth’s different color. Some people who were given
antibiotics as a child—or people who have a mother that took them while pregnant—may have
a tooth or two that appears gray. This usually happens before the permanent teeth come in and
is something your dentist can help evaluate.

Tooth Decay

It’s not easy to spot cavities if you don’t go to the dentist regularly. Many people don’t realize
they have a cavity until it’s too late. Tooth decay can progress to the point that it eats through
the softer tissues of your teeth and eventually sabotages your tooth’s root. When this happens,
the root dies and an infection can ensue.

People who have a dead tooth root commonly experience discoloration in that tooth. This
discoloration may go away with root canal therapy, in which all the dead tissue is removed and
the tooth is properly sealed up. Your dentist can evaluate if your tooth decay has caused your
discoloration and if a root canal can help fix it!

When it comes to discolored teeth, considering the causes will help you find your best form of
treatment. Although a professional whitening can fix some of these problems, most often the
root cause will need to be fixed. This may mean receiving root canal therapy or fixing the
problem so your tooth color can return to normal. Addressing the cause of your tooth
discoloration can help return your smile to normal!

The post Why Has One of My Teeth Become Discolored? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Get That Cavity Filled

If your tooth decay is confined to a cavity or two, you can easily call your dentist and have him or her fill in the cavity with a non-mercury filling. You’ll have the choice of different materials when it comes to your filling, and your dentist can help you decide which one is right for you. Often, a composite resin material is best to fill those cavities and match the natural color of your teeth. You may also choose from glass ionomer or porcelain or ceramic fillings, the pros and cons of which you can discuss with your dentist.

Fluoride Treatments

If your decay is extensive or spreading throughout your mouth, a fluoride treatment could be beneficial! Fluoride can help to strengthen your enamel, and this mineral is found in many conventional toothpastes. Fluoride treatments can help your teeth to resist the bad bacteria and strong acids that lead to the erosion of your enamel. During this treatment, the fluoride is simply applied to your teeth to help re-mineralize them and help them resist decay naturally. You can talk with your dentist to discover if a fluoride treatment would benefit you.

Root Canals

If your tooth decay has spread to the center of your tooth (where your tooth’s nerves are), you may need to have a root canal procedure done to remove the decay or infection and replace it with a synthetic material. This can effectively halt the decay process and save your natural tooth, therefore avoiding an extraction. Your root canal procedure will be finished with a crown or filling to further protect your tooth.

Extractions

Unfortunately, there are times when the decay is extensive, so an extraction (or several extractions) are your dentist’s only option for your treatment. With proper care and regular checkups of your teeth, you may never need extractions for tooth decay. If you have poor oral hygiene habits and have been putting off the dentist, however, you may need extractions to treat your tooth decay.

Diet

Our diet plays a huge role in our oral health, and you can help your tooth decay to heal naturally by ensuring that you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, all of which play vital roles in keeping our smiles healthy. Healthy fats and omega-3s can help to prevent decay and heal existing decay. Remember, processed foods and sugar are terribly for your teeth, and are the main contributors to tooth decay.

Treating tooth decay doesn’t have to painful. You can prevent tooth decay by eating healthy, getting regular checkups, and of course, brushing and flossing. For those times when you have a cavity or are concerned about tooth decay, visit your dentist for treatment!

The post Top Ways to Treat Tooth Decay appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer surface of your teeth. Sugars and acids in food and beverages damage the enamel, but it can remineralize or rebuild itself. It is important not to brush your teeth too soon after eating, because you can actually cause more damage to the enamel by brushing before it has had a chance to rebuild. You should brush your teeth twice a day, and when you do, use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, and brushing removes food particles and bacteria. Flossing is equally important to remove food particles between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Without regular brushing and flossing, tooth enamel can be permanently damaged. The enemy of tooth enamel is plaque, the sticky film that builds up when bacteria is allowed to remain on your teeth and gums. Plaque sticks to your teeth and can be hard to remove. Eventually plaque can turn to tartar, which is hard and has to be scraped off with special dental instruments. Brushing and flossing daily can prevent bacteria from spreading and becoming plaque.

Tooth decay is common in children and older adults, but it can occur at any age. The back teeth are the most susceptible, because they have flat, uneven surfaces that can be difficult to clean. Many parents choose to have their children get dental sealants at the dentist’s office, but adults who have never had sealants applied can get them too. Sealants are a plastic coating that is applied to the back teeth and blocks food particles and bacteria.

Eating a healthy diet with limited sugary snacks decreases the risk of tooth decay. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, regular professional dental cleanings can provide additional fluoride and ensure that your teeth and gums are thoroughly clean.

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