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Tooth decay starts with plaque—a colorless film of bacteria that naturally collects on teeth and gums. As that bacteria consumes sugars, it produces acids that wear away the tooth’s enamel, eventually causing cavities. While brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugary foods can all help stave off these effects, there are a few other issues that can contribute to decay. To protect your smile, here are three lesser-known reasons behind tooth decay and how you and your family dentist can manage them.

A Guide to Tooth Decay

1. Acidic Foods

Eating acidic foods will only increase the rate of tooth decay and other advanced issues like root canal infections and tooth loss. Some common acidic foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, meats, and diet soda.

While avoiding these items isn’t always practical, you can minimize their effect by limiting your consumption or pairing them with more neutral foods like cheese, nuts, apples, bananas, and eggs. Rinse your mouth out with water after consuming acidic foods.

2. Dry Mouth

family dentist montgomery ohioSaliva plays an important role in protecting teeth by helping rinse away bacteria and food debris. It also contains minerals that help repair enamel damage and compounds that help neutralize destructive acids.

Dry mouth gives oral bacteria a bigger opportunity to thrive and can occur for several reasons, including uncontrolled diabetes, use of certain medications, aging, as well as tobacco and alcohol use. Addressing the underlying problem and consuming more water can help correct dry mouth. In some cases, a family dentist may need to prescribe medications that help stimulate saliva production.

3. Excessive Brushing

To keep plaque at bay, you should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes. Avoid brushing too hard as you could end up wearing away enamel, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to plaque. If you notice your toothbrush bristles are frayed, you may be applying too much pressure.

Avoid unnecessary damage by using a soft-bristled brush. Your dentist may also recommend using an electronic toothbrush that controls the speed and pressure for you.

 

If you’re concerned about cavities, take your smile to Christopher F. Heck, DMD - Montgomery Family Dentistry. Dr. Heck and his team offer comprehensive oral health services throughout Hamilton County, OH, and the East Side of Cincinnati. This Montgomery dentist will provide routine examinations and cleanings to catch tooth decay early on. The dental hygienist team offers a combined 40 years of experience and provides patients with extremely individualized care. Visit them online to learn more about their services or call (513) 794-1884 to schedule an appointment.

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