{"id":19,"date":"2018-02-06T21:25:54","date_gmt":"2018-02-06T21:25:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.todaysdentaldayton.com\/blog\/?p=19"},"modified":"2018-02-20T21:28:03","modified_gmt":"2018-02-20T21:28:03","slug":"teeth-cleanings-protect-future-tooth-decay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.todaysdentaldayton.com\/blog\/2018\/02\/06\/teeth-cleanings-protect-future-tooth-decay\/","title":{"rendered":"Regular Teeth Cleanings Can Protect You from Future Tooth Decay"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AYou\u2019ve probably heard it all the time. From your parents, your teachers, and your babysitters growing up, that sugar rots your teeth. \u201cDon\u2019t drink that soda! You\u2019ll lose your teeth by the time you\u2019re 18!\u201d Your parents may have yelled at you. But now that you\u2019ve grown up, have you ever considered how that process happens in the first place?<\/p>\n

Technically sugar is not the sole cause of cavities and tooth decay. Technically, it\u2019s the reaction that occurs in your mouth after you drink that soda or eat that sugar cookie. According to your dentist, knowing this may just be the budge you need to take the steps to reduce your sugar intake. That and regular teeth cleanings.<\/a><\/p>\n

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How Sweets Affect the Health of Your Teeth<\/h2>\n

It all starts with the hundreds of bacteria inside your mouth. When you focus on the bacteria that feeds on sugars, you\u2019ll quickly understand why your dentist always tells you to avoid sugar when possible. Eating sugar feeds these harmful bacteria and in exchange, creates acids that destroy tooth enamel. This protective layer overs your tooth pulp and roots, so losing it puts your oral health at risk.<\/p>\n

That means every time you bite into a candy bar or sip that diet cola, your mouth\u2019s pH balance changes. The best way to combat this change is to produce saliva in the mouth when possible. A dry mouth only makes it easier for bacteria to produce and grow, so eating foods that promote saliva production and avoiding sugars will work to remineralize your enamel.<\/p>\n

Forgetting to Brush? It Will Damage Your Teeth<\/h2>\n

While the calcium and phosphates in saliva can aid in the fight against harmful bacteria, it can only go so far. That\u2019s why you need to make sure you\u2019re also sticking to a strict oral care regimen in between your regular dental visits. Without regular teeth cleanings, cavities can easily form, even if you cut sugar out of your diet. Sugar exists in most foods, including natural sugars typically found in fruit.<\/p>\n

The ADA recommends you brush at least twice a day for two minutes using a fluoridated toothpaste. The fluoride in toothpaste specifically works to remove bacteria and prevent tooth decay from occurring. Be sure to floss once a day as well to remove plaque from the sides of teeth.<\/p>\n

The Best Ways to Remove Sugar from Teeth and Promote Saliva Production<\/h2>\n

After you\u2019ve thoroughly brushed and flossed, you\u2019ll want to take advantage of these tips from your dentist to keep saliva production high and protect your tooth enamel. They include:<\/p>\n