Did you know that every time you consume a food or beverage that is not water you switch your mouth from a neutral environment to an acidic environment? Food and drinks such as wine, citrus fruits, vinegar, and soft drinks create an acid bath for your teeth in which the tooth enamel is eroded. Bacteria also use this new acid and food source in your mouth to cause cavities. Your saliva naturally protects the teeth and works to return your mouth to neutral. This process takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on how much saliva you have in your mouth.
Your mouth becomes an acid bath for your teeth if you sip on a drink (not plain water), suck on hard candies, or snack throughout the day. You give bacteria a consistent opportunity to create cavities. By taking a 2-3 hour break from food and drink during the day, brushing your teeth after breakfast and just before bed, you will decrease your cavity risk.
To protect your tooth enamel it is important to eat a healthy diet, brush and floss your teeth two to three times per day, consider using sensitivity toothpaste to provide additional protection against the effects of enamel erosion, and visit Sala Family Dentistry for regular cleanings.
Contact
Phone | (775) 376-7914
Email | info@salafamilydentistry.com
Hours
Mon - Fri | 7:00am – 5:00pm |
Saturday | 7:00am - 3:00pm |
Sunday | Closed |
Location