Controlling Tooth Decay (cavities)

Heredity (over which you have no control) does somewhat influence your susceptibility to tooth decay. Inherited patterns of undesirable mineralization, shape or alignment may make preventing cavities more difficult for some. But, don't blame too much on heredity-most inherited problems are behaviors bad habits, not bad teeth. Good brushing, flossing and rinsing habits will help reduce the amount of decay you will get. Using fluorides and sealants can further reduce your decay problems, But the real truth is that THE SINGLE BIGGEST FACTOR IN PREVENTING CAVITIES IS CONTROLLING YOUR DIETARY HABITS (what you regularly eat, drink, chew, nibble sip, suck etc..). Many people in third world countries do not brush, floss, use fluorides, or have dental check-ups-and yet have very few or no cavities. This is because their diet does not contain many sugars or refined starches. However, most foods in America contain sugars or refined starches which can cause cavities. It is very difficult to avoid them (manufacturers routinely add them to foods to improve flavor). Even seemingly harmless foods like french fries, white bread, ketchup, lunch meats and potato chips have sugars added that can readily promote tooth decay. Because of this, eliminating exposure to decay, promoting sugars at mealtime is usually impractical. Fortunately, our saliva can usually repair the damage done by sugars at mealtime if they are followed by a long uninterrupted period without sugars afterwards. It is when these repair periods are interrupted that problems develop. This interruption may be caused by portions of the meal getting stuck in the teeth (which then continue to dissolve if not removed by brushing or flossing) or by snacking between meals (the main culprit). Most people who snack frequently will have problems with cavities. (By snack we mean eating, drinking, chewing etc.). The best answer is to eat only at mealtimes and then brush or at least rinse) afterwards. If you feel you must have things between meals try drinking water more to satisfy your thirst, or, as a second-best alternative Nutrasweet or Splenda sweetened drinks (DIET), but limit your pop intake especially Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Coke­ even the diet versions are very acidic. Fruit juices also have natural sugars that readily promote decay. The same goes for chewing gum, lifesavers, breath mints or cough drops-if you have them use Nutrasweet, Xylitol or Sorbitol versions. For other snacks try nuts, vegetable sticks, fresh fruits (except bananas and dried fruits like raisins/prunes), plain yogurt, corn chips, cheddar or string cheese (not spreads), pretzels or popcorn-all very low sugar snacks.

Brushing/flossing/fluoride toothpastes and rinses definitely help and are important aids but will not undo all the damage from frequent eating/drinking/snacking habits-try to really limit or modify these. Developing good habits will payoff!