Soda: A Major Cause of Dental Problems

Americans drink 13.15 billion gallons of carbonated drinks every year according to Dr. McCay, the nutritionist at the Naval Medical Research institute. Soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay and obesity.

This affects people of all ages and socio-economic classes. Acids in soda and acidic sugar byproducts in soda soften tooth enamel leading to the formation of cavities. Ultimately this can lead to tooth loss as well.

Regular sodas can contain the equivalent of nine to twelve teaspoons of sugar per can. In today’s world we are seeing even larger and larger containers of soda. It takes 20 minutes or less for the acids in the mouth to start eating away and eroding tooth enamel.

Some people think switching to diet soda will eliminate the chance of this happening but that is not true. Though diet soda does not contain the sugar it’s counterpart does, it is almost as acidic and can ultimately cause the same problems.

So what can be done to help prevent some of these problems? Eliminating soda would be great. Juices can cause a major problem as well so they may not be a great choice. Water is the best choice.  Another thing that will greatly help reduce the chances of having major problems is rinsing with water after you have soda. Brushing after consuming soda will also help. Make sure you visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings as well.

for more information about how to keep your smile picture perfect, log on to http://www.LevineDental.com

What is a dental sealant?

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating that fills in the grooves on the top of a tooth, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria.FAQ:· How does a sealant help prevent decay?
· Is sealant application a complicated procedure?
· Sealants are just for kids, right?
· How does a sealant help prevent decay?
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then ‘painted’ onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and will harden when a special curing light is shined on it.As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before needing to be reapplied. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check to make sure the sealants are still protecting otherwise they will let you know they need to be reapplied.The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are the most obvious candidates. Adults , however, can benefit from sealants as well.Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are twice-daily brushing; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or some other appliance they may suggest; eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly.Visit us online to see get more information about sealants at http://www.LevineDental.com