What's the worst thing for my teeth?

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Taking good care of your teeth is important. Brushing and flossing are a must, but what if you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss everyday and STILL are getting cavities? If that is the case, it may be time to look at your diet.

 Start by looking at your sugar intake. The worst kind of sugar (for your teeth) is whatever is going to have consistent exposure to them. Soda and sticky candies are usually the worst because they are typically sipped throughout the day or they stick to your teeth. They are destructive to your tooth's enamel. The enamel of your tooth is important because it is the hard exterior that protects the softer inside of your tooth that surrounds the nerve. When sugars are either left on your teeth or are constantly exposed to your teeth, they weaken your enamel and the sugar combined with bacteria that is found in your mouth start to eat away at your tooth causing decay.

Sugar is delicious, and I am just as guilty as the next of having a "sweet tooth." If you have to have your sugars, try not to sip or snack on them throughout the day. The more often you put them in your mouth, the more you feed those bacteria. If you do have a sweet snack, eat it in one sitting or drink it at one time. Remember, it's not so much about quantity as it is about frequency. Try brushing your teeth after snacking to get rid of the sugar coating. You could also try and find a better alternative to cut down on the amount of sugar you consume. For example, on the spectrum of sodas, energy drinks and Mountain Dew are the worst for your teeth and Root Beer is the “least destructive." An even better alternative to soda is juice or milk. The very best alternative to soda is good old water!

 If you have more questions or concerns about how to protect your teeth better from cavities, speak with your dentist.  

 Keep that smile healthy and happy!
~ Cyrus M. Larson, DMD


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