July 2, 2019 Are Summertime Celebrations Causing Damage to Your Teeth? It’s easy to get in the spirit of things when you’re celebrating the birth of a great nation like America. Parades, pool parties, fireworks – all of it done to tip our hat in gratitude to those who paved the way for independence. As we progress into the summer months, the hot weather and celebratory attitude can sometimes sway us to step a little beyond our norm when it comes to sugar, sugary drinks or desserts. What’s an extra scoop of ice cream going to hurt, right? What Does Sugar Do to My Teeth? While there is nothing wrong with indulging every now and then, it is important to remember the health of your teeth and the effect sugar can have on them. Tooth decay is actually the result of acid that destroys tooth enamel. Sugar mingles with harmful oral bacteria creating an acid, which cause an eventual cavity or hole in your tooth. Left untreated, cavities can get into the deeper layers of the tooth, which can result in pain or possible tooth loss. When this happens, a dental implant might be needed. Dental tooth implants are ideal for single tooth replacement and are typically more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework as they do not rely on your other teeth for support. Tooth replacement due to tooth decay can be avoided, however, by taking the proper precautions to avoid damage. Sugary drinks are another culprit of tooth decay. Every sip you take causes an acid attack against your tooth enamel that can last up to 20 minutes. It’s not just soda that can cause this reaction. Diet soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and fruit drinks all have high acidic levels that cause tooth erosion. Can Decay Be Reversed? Early signs of tooth decay are white spots where minerals have been lost. At this point, tooth decay can still be reversed. With the help of minerals from fluoride in toothpaste or our trusty own saliva, tooth decay can reduce and even return to normal. However, if the tooth decay continues the enamel is eventually weakened and destroyed. Alas, a cavity is formed. Cavities are permanent and only a dentist can fill cavities. Fortunately, Caffaratti Dental Group has plenty of experience in tooth fillings and offer treatment to get your teeth back on track. Preventative Measures Don’t you wish you could just ask your teeth to take a break during these summer months and ease up on the decay? After all, you deserve a bit of fun and food should be included in that, right? While there is not a way to stop the bad bacteria mixing with the sugar in foods and drinks, there are preventative measures we can take to ensure our teeth don’t get a one-way ticket to a cavity. The ADA and other dental health experts can all agree on the following: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste Floss daily Ask your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride to strengthen your teeth Ask your dentist about dental sealants Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations Take a Leap Off the Diving Board There’s never a better time than right now to jump in and make changes to better the health of your teeth. Taking care of your teeth has been proven to improve your overall health and well-being. Gum disease has been linked to many health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, and certain types of cancers. In recent studies it has even been linked to Alzheimer’s. At Caffaratti Dental Group, we take pride in our country and your smile! We want to help you maintain your health and well-being by keeping your teeth clean. Let us scrub those pearly whites clean by calling us today at (775) 358-1555 to schedule your consultation.