CAVITIES?…OH NO!
Did you know teeth cavities are one of the worlds most common health problems? You may be wondering what are cavities caused by? And how can you avoid getting one? We are here to answer those questions for you! Cavities are caused by certain types of bacteria that stick to the film of your teeth called plaque. The bacteria feeds on sugary foods ( like candy and fruits…yes fruits!) and cooked starches (like french fries and bread). About 5 minutes after eating or drinking sugars and cooked starches the bacteria begins to make acid as the it digests your food. The tooth’s outer surface gets broken down by the acid as well as losing valuable minerals that protect your teeth. This results in cavities. Yikes!
How to prevent cavities:
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking
- Try to stay away from sugary foods and drinks
- Ask your dentist (Dr. Ana Martinez) about dental sealants. Dental sealants are a protective plastic coating which is applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars where decay often begins.
- Ask your dentist (again Dr. Ana Martinez) if Fluoride treatments are recommended for your specific care.
- For a fresh breath through out the day use Xylitol gum and mints.
