Everybody knows that eating too much sugar and not brushing your teeth will eventually lead to cavities and gum disease. But there are many other things that can contribute to tooth decay, and some of these may surprise you.
Maintaining healthy habits goes beyond brushing and flossing. Keeping track of the state of your oral health includes making sure you are aware of the impact the food you eat has on your teeth, as well as the way other lifestyle choices impact your body.
“Healthy” Sports Drinks and Fruit Juice
Soda is widely known as a high-sugar food; however, often the drinks we replace it with are not any better. Fruit juice, despite having come from healthy fruit, often has as much sugar in it as a can of soda. And sports drinks, which are often consumed by people after they work out, have plenty of sugar in them unless otherwise specified. Always check the food labels of the things you are drinking, and avoid drinks with excessive sugar – even if they are labeled “healthy.”
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also knows as heartburn, happens when the muscle that cuts off the stomach from the esophagus does not completely close. Besides being very uncomfortable, acid reflux can wear away the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities. If you take great care of your teeth but still notice that they are sensitive to sugar, hot, or cold, it may be that you have enamel wear due to acid reflux.
Smoking
Smoking causes a myriad of health issues, including bad breath and tooth staining. The more you smoke, the more it also impacts your ability to smell and taste your food. Smoking lowers your immune system’s ability to function properly, making bacteria-driven gum disease more likely, and putting you at risk for oral cancer.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is common enough that is has a name: Xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-uh). Certain medicines, lack of proper hydration, and conditions that affect the proper functioning of the salivary gland can all cause a dry mouth. Your saliva plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay by breaking down acids produced by bacteria, washing away food, and slowing bacterial growth. Salivary enzymes also aid in digestion and make it easier for us to chew and swallow our food.
Because of the crucial role saliva plays in your oral health, a dry mouth can pose a threat to your wellbeing. Do not ignore a dry mouth – see a dentist if your dry mouth is bothering you.
Contact a Wedgwood Dentist
There are a number of factors that contribute to tooth decay, and you might not be aware of them all. This makes it all the more important that you visit your dentist regularly. Schedule a check-up online or over the phone with SMILES ON 35th at our Seattle, Washington dental office. Contact us today at 206-526-9040, and see why our patients love us. Same-day urgent care appointments available.
