Food & Tooth Decay Solutions in St. Louis, MO
Premier Dental Care for Sensitive Teeth
West County Dental has provided St. Louis, MO residents with premier dental care for sensitive teeth and various food and tooth decay solutions for many years. Our dental practice is devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. If you’ve dealt with tooth decay, or you want to ensure you never have to, we offer premier restorative and preventative dental care that can help.
How Certain Food Can Lead To Tooth Decay
Starch-filled snack foods, acidic foods and beverages, soda, and chewy foods, can contribute to plaque buildup and eventual tooth decay. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to tooth decay. Anyone can be affected by it. Tooth decay will occur when plaque or bacteria get stuck on your teeth. The bacteria will feed on the sugar you consume and turn it into acid, which will dissolve your tooth structure and create cavities over time. At West County Dental, we’ll help you keep your smile bright and healthy.
The Effect of Soda on the Teeth
Regular consumption of soda – even diet soda – can lead to various health conditions, including obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and even tooth decay. The sugar in soda feeds the bacteria in your mouth and can cause tooth decay. When your mouth is over-running with bacteria, this allows for an environment where plaque can build up on your teeth, leading to gingivitis, cavities, and gum disease. Not only is the sugar in soft drinks harmful to one’s oral health, but so is phosphoric acid, which is what makes soda fizzy. Phosphoric acid can erode tooth enamel, and once eroded, it cannot be replaced. If you don’t want to give up drinking soda, but you do what to protect your enamel, you can start by drinking soda in moderation and try some of the following suggestions as well:
- Drink more water
- Rinse your mouth out with water after drinking soda
- Use a straw when you drink soda
- After having a soda, wait one hour before brushing your teeth
- Only drink sodas at mealtimes
- See your dentist regularly
The Effect of Acid Reflux on the Teeth
Digestive health is known to have a significant impact on oral health. If you have acid reflux, it could be eroding your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel cannot be restored once it wears away. The symptoms of acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), include chest pain and heartburn. These symptoms can occur when stomach acid washes back up and into the esophagus. When it reaches the teeth, they can become vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. To protect your teeth and their enamel, you can follow some of the following steps to protect your teeth:
- Work with a doctor to get your acid reflux under control
- Change what you eat and drink – cut out acidic foods and drink
- Drink more water and plenty of it
- Chew some sugar-free gum
- Use a fluoride toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth
- See your dentist regularly – at least twice a year
Contact Us Today for Premier Dental Services
At West County Dental, we provide personalized dental care using state-of-the-art equipment and procedures. When you reserve a visit at our premier facility, you can rest assured that our expert team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you with the care you need for a healthy smile. From preventative care to restorative dentistry, you can find everything you need for optimal oral health at our St. Louis, MO location. Reserve a visit with us through our website today!