Many people experience tooth decay at some point in their life. It’s a common misconception that aging causes tooth decay. Usually, it’s just that we do so many bad things to our teeth for so long that they eventually give out to decay and disease. In ancient times, many people didn’t experience as much tooth decay because there weren’t as many terrible foods for their teeth. In our experience, these are some of the top reasons for tooth decay, and how you can prevent them.
Sugar
Sugar is one of the most aggressive causes of cavities. Refined sugar works quickly building plaque and wearing down your enamel. Have you ever eaten sugar food and instantly felt like your teeth had sweaters? Refined sugar is the reason why. Sodas, candy, and starchy foods are some of the top culprits for causing tooth decay. To prevent sugar from these foods, you should generally avoid them. However, if you do slip up, it’s best to brush immediately or rinse with water at the very least.
Acidic Foods
While acidic foods themselves do not cause tooth decay, they do wear down your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to deep cavities. Acidic foods include citrus fruits, coffee, soda, and vinegar. They can throw off the pH levels in your mouth, creating an unhealthy environment for the enamel of your tooth (which is the hardest tissue in your entire body). If you find yourself eating a lot of acidic foods, try rinsing with water afterwards to ensure all of the acid is removed. Drinking milk can also be a great way to reset the pH levels in your mouth.
Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth at night also wears down the enamel of your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. You’re also more likely to have jaw problems if you find yourself clenching your jaw at night. If you notice any neck or jaw pain, come visit us to see about a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Need help protecting your teeth? Call our office today at (512) 637-7333 to see how we can help you protect those pearly whites!
