Pick Snacks That Don’t Promote Cavities!

We know that many people find comfort in their favorite snacks and treats. Unfortunately, many of these treats contain a lot of sugar, which increases the risk of cavities. In today’s blog, your Tucson, AZ, dentist offers tips on choosing snacks that are good for your smile, and don’t elevate the chances of painful cavities!

The Link Between Sugar and Tooth Decay

How does sugar lead to a cavity? When we consume foods and drinks high in sugar, this leaves particles trapped between your teeth. Over time, bacteria will begin to break down and consume these trapped bits of food and drink, and in the process, elevate oral acidity and coat the teeth in plaque. A bacterial byproduct, plaque could erode the outer enamel and expose the sensitive inner structures, allowing cavities and even infections to develop.

Warning Signs of Trouble

How do you know if you have a cavity or an infected tooth? For tooth decay, you or your child may begin to experience tooth sensitivity or a toothache that doesn’t pass with time, and instead, grows more severe. If this happens, then please let us know. We’re still available for dental emergencies, so we can treat the source of your discomfort with a lifelike filling or a custom-made crown, halting the decay and infection and preventing the loss of your tooth. When you visit our office, remember that we’re making sure people don’t share the waiting room with other patients, and our team is wearing preventive gear and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in between each patient visit. We want to ensure the health and safety of our patients and our team members!

Better Care at Home

To help reduce the risk of cavities at home, we suggest taking better care of your smile each day. For example, be sure you start the day by brushing your teeth for two minutes, and use a fluoride toothpaste when you do. In the evening, brush again and floss in between each tooth to remove what a toothbrush may not be able to reach. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks like candies, sodas, energy drinks, and other sweet treats. Beware options like dried fruit and fruit juice, which may seem healthy but contains a lot of sugars. Instead, choose healthier options, like fruit, veggies, cheeses, nuts, and yogurt. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Preventing Cavities?

At our Tucson, AZ, dentist’s office, we want to help our patients understand how they can better care for their smiles. If you have questions about keeping smiles strong and bright from home, contact us today to schedule a visit by calling our office at 520-296-5439.