Helpful Hints For Healthy Mouths - Adults

Common Cavity Culprits
Cavities are primarily caused by candy, soda, fruit juice and sugary foods. These substances bathe the teeth in sugar.The sugar settles on and between the teeth; bacteria naturally found in the mouth ferment the sugar. When this happens an acid is formed that corrodes the teeth. The corroded areas become cavities. Substituting fresh fruit for juice provides more vitamins and greatly decreases cavities. Limiting sweets to meal times, mixing juice with half water, or brushing and flossing immediately after eating is also helpful. Water and milk are the best liquids to drink for the healthiest teeth.

Gums
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the second most common problem in mouths. Inflammation of gums (gingivitis) is a first stage of gum disease. Inflammation occurs when food and bacteria build up around the teeth at the gumline and cause an infection. It is important to make sure that when you are brushing your teeth, your toothbrush is also brushing your gumline and that when you floss the floss goes under the gum. Unhealthy gums bleed, but with proper and consistent brushing and flossing the bleeding will stop and the gums will get stronger. Continued neglect of your gums can result in bone loss and subsequent tooth loss. Brush your gums!

Lifestyle
Smoking keeps the mouth drier which promotes bacteria growth and cavities as explained above. Some medications, such as those used to treat depression and high blood pressure also dry the mouth. If you smoke or take certain medications you may need to drink more water.

Diet
Acidic and sugary foods and beverages alter the bacterial content of the mouth and promote cavity formation. It is especially important to brush and/or floss, or AT LEAST rinse your mouth with water, after consuming these types of items.

Dental Hygiene
No matter what you eat, brushing and flossing are very important. If your diet contains many acidic or sweet foods and beverages, and you don't wish to give them up, then brush and floss more often. It is also important to follow the doctor's recommended schedule for follow-up visits. The frequency of cleaning needed by patients varies with each patient's genetics, lifestyle, and diet.