Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common oral conditions that compel people to see the dentist in Pembroke Pines? Dental decay is preventable thanks to the enamel, which is the tough coating that protects your teeth.
Although the enamel is harder than bone and steel, it’s also more brittle than both. In other words, your tooth enamel isn’t impervious to damage. You can lose it when you make the wrong food and beverage choices.
Although most of the 700 bacterial species that live in your mouth are harmless, many others cause tooth decay and gum disease. These are the ones that produce acids as they feed on the food particles stuck on your teeth.
Once the acids mix with your saliva and the other bacteria, they turn into a soft, sticky film called plaque. The millions of bacteria in plaque continuously attack the enamel until it wears away. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily can put an end to plaque formation.
Bacteria love sweets as much as you do. Anything that contains sugar can threaten your oral health because these harmful microorganisms feast on them. If you don’t practice good oral habits, it won’t take long before losing your enamel.
Each time you drink soda, its carbon and sugar content interact with the bacteria in your mouth and produce more acids that eat away your teeth. These attacks will eventually cause your enamel to break down.
Since saliva neutralizes and washes away bacterial acids, it helps prevent enamel loss. Each time you drink alcoholic beverages, you reduce saliva production. A dry mouth becomes a haven for plaque-causing bacteria that attack the enamel.
Processed starches are simple carbohydrates in disguise. Simple carbohydrates break down into sugars once you consume them. If you’re a big fan of crackers, white bread, cakes, pasta, and rice, and you’re not serious about your oral hygiene habits, don’t be surprised if you develop tooth decay.
At Village Square Dental, our goal is to help you improve and maintain your oral health so that you can smile with confidence. Contact us today to make an appointment.