Permanently damaged areas in the teeth that develop tiny holes are known as cavities. Cavities are considered very serious as they can destroy your teeth and lead to infection if they are left untreated.
Some of our patients are more prone to cavities than others because of their lifestyle habits. Those who do not brush and floss their teeth daily tend to develop cavities more frequently than patients who make oral hygiene a top priority.
Believe it or not, a patient’s diet can also determine how many cavities they have. If you regularly eat candies and sweets, which are loaded with sugar, you may be at higher risk for tooth tooth decay than someone who eats them on an occasional basis. If you do eat these foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Starchy, refined carbohydrates are also bad for your teeth. Pasta, bread, and potato chips are all examples of these foods and can eventually break down into simple sugars. When bacteria feeds on these sugars, it can produce an acid, which prompts cavities. A diet can often affect acne and overall skin health. Dunedin dermatologist Dr. Amy Ross explains that a poor diet is the main culprit of adults that have bad acne.
In addition, sugar filled beverages such as fruit juice and pop can lead to cavities. Rather than drinking these types of beverages, opt for water and tea instead. Lastly, since lemons, oranges, and other acidic foods can also cause cavities, refrain from keeping these foods in your mouth for a long period of time.
Contact River Run Dental
If you have additional questions about how your diet can affect your risk of developing cavities, we encourage you to call our Short Pump, VA office at (804) 262-1060.