Holiday Sweets are Not Good for Your Teeth!

Holiday Sweets are Not Good for Your Teeth!

By Mina Levi, DDS, 11/26/2014

As the winter holidays approach and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we know that sweets like pumpkin pie and candy canes are a given. As much as these treats are great on the lips, they aren't so great on the teeth! In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS goes over some Holiday oral care tips about the sweet foods we love.

 

How do sweet foods and drinks cause cavities?

 

When you eat sugary foods or drinks, naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar and create acids as a by-product. These acids then wear down the tooth enamel, making it weaker and more susceptible to tooth decay as well as a host of other problems, including gingivitis. Snacking on sweets throughout the day or during an extended period of time (such as at a holiday party) is especially harmful, since damaging acids form in the mouth every time you eat a sugary snack and continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes afterwards.

 

Tips for Holiday oral care:

 

1. Eating sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods as part of a balanced meal is better than eating them alone. The body produces more saliva to help digest larger meals, which washes away more food and helps neutralize harmful acids before they can attack teeth.

2. Foods that take a long time to chew can damage teeth. That's because sticky foods, including nutritious choices like raisins, dates and dried fruit, hold acid against teeth longer than do other foods. Try to limit your consumption of these foods.

3. After consuming high-acid food (fruits) or drinks (wine), rinse with water before brushing your teeth to prevent tooth erosion from the acids.

4. Keep a toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste handy (for example, in your pocket or purse or store these in the glove compartment of your car) so that you can brush right after eating at holiday parties.

5. An added benefit is that you are less likely to eat after you brush your teeth, so you may end up eating less at parties.

6. If you're unable to brush your teeth after eating, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water or chewing sugar-free gum will help to wash away food particles, produce more saliva and neutralize acids in your mouth

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the effect that sweets have on your teeth during the Holiday season, visit Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, holiday sweets, holidays, Thanksgiving, winter, sweets, candy, candy effect, candy effect on your teeth, snacking, holiday snacking, treats, holiday treats, cavities

Source: Delta Dental Ins

Saliva Testing

Saliva Testing

By Mina Levi, DDS, 07/24/2014

There are many different techniques for diagnostic testing, such as having your blood drawn or giving a urine sample. One of these techniques is saliva testing, which involves the laboratory analysis of saliva to identify certain markers for several conditions. In this article, we will discuss ten uses for saliva testing.

1. For hepatitis. Saliva testing can help identify and diagnose hepatitis. These tests find antibodies as an effective method to identify patients who are infected with hepatitis. Hepatitis C and B are identifiable using these testing techniques.

2. For HIV. The saliva test for HIV, called OraQuick HIV1/2, detects HIV antibodies in high risk populations and about ninety-seven percent in lower-risk populations. It is an effective preliminary method of diagnosis, much like a home pregnancy test. This allows for people to test for HIV without going to a clinic.

3. For genetic disease trait markers. The saliva test for genetic disease trait markers allows patients to test themselves and see if they are carriers of a gene that would not be ideal to pass along to further generations. The saliva test is done by Counsyl.

4. For proneness for periodontal disease. People with periodontal disease or those who are more prone to progressing to periodontal disease have higher levels of peroxidase, hydroxyproline and calcium in their saliva. Testing for this will let patients know if they are more prone to developing periodontitis and will need to have more advanced gum care in order to treat or prevent it. Saliva tests for periodontitis are provided by OralDNA Labs.

5. For allergies. Those who have disturbed levels of immunoglobulin levels in their saliva demonstrate proneness for developing allergies, such as the severe allergy to peanuts.

6. For detecting illicit drug use. This saliva test is one of the most used, mainly used by employers and parole officers to determine if an individual has been using illicit drugs in the recent past.

7. For diabetes. The saliva test for diabetes, called iQuickIt, makes it easier and less of a hassle for people with diabetes to test for blood sugar levels. The saliva test for diabetics removes the requirement to draw blood or prick your own finger.

8. For cardiovascular disease. There are two markers that are tested for in saliva testing for cardiovascular disease. The first is CRP (C-reactive protein) which is a marker for cardiovascular risk, higher levels means a greater risk. The other is Nitric Oxide, which is a marker for cardiovascular protection, higher levels means a smaller risk.

9. For cancer. Certain types of cancer can be detected and diagnosed through saliva testing, such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and oral cancer. Pancreatic cancer is screened by testing for specific mRNA biomarkers. Breast cancer shows higher levels of a breast cancer biomarker in the saliva than healthy individuals. Oral cancer saliva tests track levels of transferring in saliva.

10. For DNA testing/ancestry lineage. Saliva tests are available to test what regions of the world a person has ancestry from. These tests are available through ancestry.com.

If you have questions regarding saliva testing or if you may be a candidate for saliva testing, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, saliva testing, saliva test, oral saliva test, saliva testing San Francisco, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis C testing, hepatitis B saliva testing, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, cancer, oral cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, cancer testing, cancer screening, cancer saliva testing, DNA testing, genetic testing, genetic saliva testing, HIV, HIV test, HIV saliva testing, HIV at home test, diabetes, diabetes test, diabetes blood sugar test, blood sugar, blood sugar tests, drug tests, drug testing, saliva drug testing, allergies, severe allergies, allergy testing, periodontal disease, periodontal disease testing, periodontitis testing, periodontitis

How Weight Loss Products and Health Drinks Affect Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS 07/10/2014

We are almost constantly being bombarded with advertisements for new weight loss supplements or health and energy drinks, whether it is on television, the radio, or a big printed ad at the supermarket. What many people don’t think of when they are determining whether or not to try this type of health drink or weight loss product is what affect they will have on the teeth. In this article, we will discuss how different health/weight loss substances affect oral health.

Weight loss drinks/supplements

Many weight loss drinks and supplements contain high acid content. Acid in the mouth causes an increase in the speed of development of dental cariesand also produces cervical staining. Also, acids like this may cause gum recession, which exposes more tooth structure and can cause sensitivity.

Cleanses, juices and shakes

Detox cleanses and juice fasts may cause severe tooth structure loss and can even expose the dentin, causing extreme sensitivity. The structure loss also makes the teeth look shorter. Shakes and smoothies tend to be high in acid, sugar and carbohydrates. If these products are over-consumed, they can lower the pH in the mouth (making it more acidic) and lead to demineralization and dental caries.

Energy and sports drinks

Energy and sports drinks, like soda, are highly acidic. While a person is drinking the energy drink, the acid stays in the mouth and can erode the tooth surface, causing decay, gum recession and loss of tooth structure.

source: www.agd.org

Diet fads and their effects on the health of the teeth are a large concern for dentists and patients. It is important to understand the effects of these products and understand the consequences that follow consuming these products. If you are concerned about your diet or supplements you may be taking, contact Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, diet, diet fad, diet supplement, weight loss products, weight loss supplements, diet products, sports drinks, weight loss drinks, diet soda, diet drink, juice cleanse, weight loss shake, energy drinks, sports drinks, tooth decay, decay, dental decay, dental caries, dental cavities,tooth loss, tooth structure loss, loss of tooth, tooth sensitivity, acid, acidic, oral health

Fluoridation: Part Two

Fluoridation: Part Two

By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/17/2014

In our last article, we talked about water fluoridation and answered questions like, “what is fluoride?” and “how does fluoride help with tooth decay?” In part two of our three part series, we will continue our discussion on fluoridation but will delve deeper into the topic and explore national levels of fluoridation and CDC recommendations.

Fluoridation San Francisco

National Levels

As of 2012, the total US population was about 313,914,040 people. About 232,534,910 people in the US are on community water systems (CWS), and 210,655,401 people in the US population are on fluoridated drinking water systems. This means that about 74% of people that are on community water systems are receiving fluoridated water. The District of Columbia region has the highest percentage of population receiving fluoridated water at 100% in comparison to all other states/regions. The next highest state percentage is Kentucky at 99.9%. The lowest state percentage is Hawaii; only 139,598 people out of 1,290,549 are receiving fluoridated water, about 10.8%. California is at about 63.7%.

CDC Recommendations and Comments

The CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has released findings and conclusions from studies on fluoridation.  The following are their official comments on the efficacy and risks of fluoride as well as their recommendations for fluoride use and water fluoridation:

Fluoride efficacy in preventing and controlling dental caries

· Fluoride effects enamel and inhibits dental caries only when incorporated into developing dental enamel
· Topical fluoride on the enamel surface remineralizes the enamel when the pH drops in the mouth in response to acid production
· As fluoride concentrates in the dental plaque that accumulates in the mouth, it inhibits the process by which cariogenic (caries-causing) bacteria metabolize and produce acid.
· Fluoride works primarily after teeth have erupted, especially when small amounts are maintained constantly in the mouth.
· Both adults and children benefit from fluoride

Risk for enamel fluorosis

· Concerns regarding the risk for enamel fluorosis are limited to children less than eight years of age
· Most fluorosis today is of the mildest form, which effects neither cosmetic appearance nor dental function
· A low prevalence of the milder forms of fluorosis has been accepted as a reasonable consequence balanced against substantial protection from dental caries
· In the severe form, enamel might break away which results in excessive wearing of the teeth
· Even in the severe form, fluorosis is considered a cosmetic effect and not a functional effect
· Cases of moderate to severe forms occur even among children living in areas with low fluoride concentrations

Guidelines for fluoride use

· It is recommended for fluoride use to include an optimally adjusted concentration of fluoride in community drinking water to maximize caries prevention and limit enamel fluorosis
· The approved concentration ranges from 0.7 ppm to 1.2 ppm depending on the average daily air temperature of the area
· The EPA, which is responsible for the safety and quality of drinking water in the United States, sets a maximum allowable limit for fluoride in drinking water at 4 ppm and a secondary limit at 2 ppm

Fluoridated drinking water and its effects

· Initial studies of community drinking water fluoridation demonstrated that reductions in childhood dental caries attributed to fluoridation were 50-60%
· More recent estimates are lower (18-40%) which is likely caused by the increasing use of fluoride from other sources like fluoridated toothpaste
· Studies of benefits of fluoridation for adults is more complicated because their fluoride histories are potentially more varied and their tooth loss or restorations might be caused by problems other than caries
· Nevertheless, adults are reported to receive caries-preventive benefits from community drinking water fluoridation, particularly advantageous for those above fifty years of age
· Prevalence of root caries among adults is inversely related to fluoride concentration in community drinking water (lower fluoride levels correspond with higher root caries levels)
· Caries reduction is considerably higher among persons in low socioeconomic status (SES) than among those in high SES.
· Enamel fluorosis occurs among some people in all communities, even those with a low natural concentration of fluoride
· In the most recent study, in communities with water containing 0.7-1.2ppm fluoride had a prevalence of 1.3% for the moderate form of fluorosis and 0% for the severe form

Conclusions

· When used appropriately, fluoride is a safe and effective agent that can be used to prevent and control dental caries
· Fluoride has contributed profoundly to the improved dental health of persons in the US
· To ensure additional gains in oral health, water fluoridation should be extended to additional communities, and fluoridated toothpaste should be used widely
· Adoption of these recommendations could lead to considerable savings in public and private resources without compromising the benefit of fluoride

For more information about the reported comments and recommendations of the CDC, you can visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Next week in the last article of the three-part series, we will take a look at water fluoridation from a local standpoint, visiting the bay area’s levels of fluoridation and community responses. If you have any specific questions or would like us to discuss another water fluoridation issue, please give us a call at (415) 513-5066 or visit us on the web at www.minalevidds.com.

Topics: CDC, national levels, national levels of water fluoridation, water fluoridation, fluoride, fluoridation, tooth enamel, dental cavities, dental decay, tooth decay, public water fluoridation, cavities, dental caries,oral bacteria, fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, controversy, dentist San Francisco

Fluoridation: Part One

Fluoridation: Part One

By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/10/2014

For a long while, fluoridation has been a heated debate topic in many United States communities. Some people strongly oppose fluoridation and some people are okay with it or have no opinion on it at all. Many people, however, do not have a lot of information about fluoridation and are unable to make an educated decision for their families and themselves. In this three-part article series, we will discuss fluoridation in depth, answering many questions and hopefully providing people with better knowledge and understanding.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is an anion (derivative) of the chemical element fluorine. Fluoride is found naturally in low concentrations in drinking water and foods, as well as seawater. Fluoride is a basic substance with a negative charge, as opposed to an acidic substance, which means it can easily combine with a proton.  Fluoride salts and hydrofluoric acid are the main fluorides of industrial value. The main uses of fluoride are in the production of cryolite used in aluminum smelting. Hydrofluoric acid has a variety of applications, which includes its ability to dissolve glass.

The most widely known application for fluoride in the majority of the population, though, is for cavity prevention. Fluoride-containing compounds are used in topical fluoride therapy for preventing tooth decay and are used in many oral hygiene products. The fluoridation of water is known to prevent tooth decay in the surrounding populations and is considered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20^th century”.

How does fluoride work to help tooth decay?

Tooth enamel is made up of a compound that has calcium and phosphate, and is susceptible to attack by acidic substances. The bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on sugars that we eat and produce acids. When we brush our teeth, we are getting rid of some of the bacteria, but we aren’t able to undo any acid damage that has already been done to the enamel. Saliva neutralizes some acids and re-mineralizes the enamel. However, when more minerals are lost from the tooth enamel than are able to be replaced by saliva, cavities form. Fluoride works by interacting with tooth enamel to form a stronger compound that is less vulnerable to acid. Fluoride also re-mineralizes damaged enamel and can inhibit the growth of bacteria or limit their capacity to produce acid. When you brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash, even when the toothpaste is gone from your mouth there is enough fluoride left over to protect your teeth for a while (if you are using fluoridated toothpaste or rinse).

Water fluoridation

Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to public water supplies in an effort to reduce tooth decay in the surrounding populations that consume and use this water. Dental cavities are a major public health concern in many industrialized countries. Fluoridation is accomplished by adding sodium fluoride, fluorosilcic acid or sodium fluorosilicate to water. Adding fluoride does not alter the appearance, taste, or smell of the water.

Water fluoridation controversy

The public water fluoridation controversy involves many concerns, including ethical and safety matters. Many oppose water fluoridation with the argument that fluoridation may cause health problems, is not effective enough to justify the cost of water fluoridation, and that a dosage cannot be controlled precisely enough. The following are a number of reasons people have for being for and against water fluoridation:

Reasons against:

· It may be a form of “mass medication”

· Consent by all water consumers cannot be achieved

· Water suppliers cannot control the exact levels of fluoride that individuals consume

· Large amounts of fluoride can cause poisoning

· Water fluoridation may be unsustainable for the environment

Reasons for:

· Fluoride is proven to reduce and protect against dental cavities

· American Dental Association stated that water fluoridation is one of the safest and most beneficial cost-effective public health measure for preventing and controlling tooth decay

· The amount of fluoride allowed in public water fluoridation is much smaller than the amount necessary to poison

· Water fluoridation has effectively shown a reduced number of dental cavities and filled primary teeth in the surrounding populations

· No adverse environmental  have been found through investigative studies

After learning a bit about fluoride and the water fluoridation process, you may have developed an opinion on your own about whether or not you agree that water fluoridation is the best choice for yourself. In our next article, we will discuss national levels of water fluoridation and CDC recommendations for fluoridation. If you have any specific questions or would like us to discuss another water fluoridation issue, please give us a call at (415) 513-5066 or visit us on the web at www.minalevidds.com.

Topics: water fluoridation, fluoride, fluoridation, tooth enamel, dental cavities, dental decay, tooth decay, public water fluoridation, cavities, dental caries,oral bacteria, fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, controversy, dentist San Francisco

New Years Resolutions for Your Mouth

New Year's Resolutions for Your Mouth

By Mina Levi, DDS 01/02/2014

As we kick off this New Year of 2014, many people will have New Year’s Resolutions involving their health such as “lose 10 pounds” or “eat healthier”. What some people will not think about though is to have New Year’s Resolutions for your mouth and oral health. Your smile goals as well as taking better care of your mouth and teeth are incredibly important, especially since your oral health is linked to your overall health. Below, we discuss five New Year’s Resolutions for your mouth and how you can accomplish them.

1. Whiter Smile. There are many ways to achieving a whiter smile this year. There is an at-home option where Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Leviwill make customized whitening trays and provide you with concentrated whitening gel. There is also the very popular Zoom whitening in-office procedure. This procedure takes about an hour in the dental office and can achieve up to eight shades whiter in just one sitting! There are also many foods that can help you whiten your teeth, see the article “How to Keep Teeth White Through the Holidays” for more details.

2. Straighten Teeth. Some people are embarrassed by or unhappy with teeth that are crooked or out of alignment. Invisalign clear alignment is an option for straightening teeth that is nearly invisible, comfortable and easily removable for eating and keeping up with oral hygiene.

3. Reduce Cavities. The first step toward this goal is to visit the dentist to see if you have any cavities or areas of concern. If the areas of concern are early stage cavities, then Icon: No Drilling resin infiltration may be right for you. Icon treats areas that are in an early stage to stop the cavity from progressing without drilling. If the area is a later stage cavity, however, a filling or crown may be necessary. Either way, it is essential that you get a diagnosis as soon as possible so that any unhealthy tooth structure can be removed or healed.

4. Follow a Stricter Oral Hygiene Regimen. Many people are pretty lax about their daily oral hygiene routine. Some brush well but do not floss while others only brush their teeth once per day. This at-home routine is essential to optimal oral health. It is recommended that the teeth are brushed at least twice daily and flossed at least once per day. Also, it is very important to see the dentist at least twice a year to have a check up and get a professional cleaning done. These professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that is not able to be removed at home, and if avoided this plaque will begin to eat away at healthy tooth structure.

5. Heal Periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums that has progressed from gingivitis from plaque build-up. The best ways to heal periodontitis and achieve optimal gum health is to have professional cleanings done more often than usual and keep a very strict oral hygiene regimen. There is also another option for advanced periodontitis cases called Perio Protect, which delivers medication directly to the gums using custom-made trays.

For more information regarding your own smile or oral health goals for 2014, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web atwww.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. We wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals and wish you a Happy New Year!

Topics: New Year’s Resolutions, Oral Health, Teeth Whitening, Zoom Whitening, Cavities, Oral Hygiene,Icon, Perio Protect, Periodontitis, Gingivitis,Straighten Teeth, Invisalign, Dentist San Francisco 

Seven Factors That Lead to Gum Disease

Seven Factors That Lead to Gum Disease 
By Mina Levi DDS, 12/12/2013

Gum Disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss, but since gum disease is pretty painless, you may not know that you have it. Research has shown that gum disease can be linked to heart attack and stroke as well, but only about three percent of those affected by gum disease seek treatment for it. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS will be effective in determining if you are afflicted by gum disease and need treatment. Below we discuss seven factors that make you vulnerable to gum disease.

1. Genetic Susceptibility. Unfortunately, sometimes we get some susceptibility from our parents or grandparents at no fault of our own. About thirty percent of the population inherits the tendency to be six times more at risk for gum disease. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s a good idea to see the Dentist Mina Levi DDS in San Francisco to see if you are at risk.

2. Stress. We all have times in our lives where we are overly stressed, especially now around the holidays. This stress has been linked to cancer and can make it more difficult for you to fight off oral infections such as gum disease. During periods of stress, keep a close eye on your oral and gum health, and get a professional check up if you feel a difference in your mouth.

3. Clenching or Grinding Teeth. Clenching and grinding of the teeth is an unconscious activity that usually occurs during sleep, but can occur when a person is concentrating. This grinding puts excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth as well as tooth structure itself, and can speed up the deterioration of the gums and teeth which leads to gum disease.

4. Hormonal Changes. Many people, especially women, go through life stages in which hormones in the body are changing, such as pregnancy, puberty, menopause or andropause. These changes can cause differing levels of oral bacteria and saliva production and cause gum disease easily.

5. Tobacco and Alcohol. Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol are the leading causes of oral cancer and the use of these tobacco products cause a drastic change in the oral environment and can lead to gum disease and gum recession, amongst many other issues. Using both tobacco and alcohol could put you at fifteen times greater risk than others.

6. Diabetes. Diabetics are at higher risk for infections, which includes oral infections like gum disease. This can make it more difficult to control blood sugar, so it is important to have these infections diagnosed as soon as possible.

7. Avoiding Dental Exams. Many people openly admit to disliking or have dental anxiety and thus avoid dental visits. This can lead to a multitude of problems in the mouth. Regular exams and confirmation of proper home care techniques can help you prevent gum disease, and professionals are able to identify the signs and symptoms of gum disease that would not be identified at home. This can help you to halt or even reverse gum disease progression.

For more information on gum disease, the signs and symptoms of gum disease and what you can do to avoid it, visit Dr. Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Gum Disease, Oral Cancer, Oral Bacteria, Dentist San Francisco, Oral Hygiene, Tobacco Use, Clenching and Grinding , Dental Anxiety 

Tips to Reduce Cavities

Tips to Reduce Dental Cavities

          When we think of cavities in the mouth, we immediately think that the teeth brushing routine has been poorly implemented and that must be the only reason. However, there are quite a few components that go into the cause of dental caries and along with them come a few ways to reduce their occurrence. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS is the most important aspect of keeping cavities out of the mouth. Below, we discuss the components that lead to caries and how to avoid them.

 

 
 

Components:

1.      Diet and Sugar Intake. When a person ingests carbohydrates (sugars), the bacteria in the mouth produce acid as they break down and metabolize these sugars. This acid causes dental caries and deepens the cavity over time with exposure, so-called tooth de-calcification.

2.     Oral Hygiene. Yes, we have been told over and over again that if you don’t have a proper oral hygiene regimen, that you will see decay in your teeth. This not only means brushing often, but also includes brushing correctly, using dental floss, and properly cleaning the tongue. Another important aspect of oral hygiene is to get your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS.

3.     Genes and the Strength of the Enamel. Sometimes, unfortunately, we inherit genes that give us weakened enamel without any fault of our own. Enamel is the hard substance that makes up the outside of the teeth, and protects the tooth structure from bacteria and decay. If enamel is weak or is weakened, dental caries will be more prominent.

 

Tips to reduce caries:

 

1. Use Xylitol products. Xylitol is a sweet, white substance that looks and tastes like sugar, but has 40% fewer calories than sucrose and is diabetic -friendly. Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in the fibers of fruits and vegetables like corn, berries and mushrooms, and the wood of trees like the birch. It is even produced naturally in small amounts by our bodies.  Unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear infections. Xylitol not only rids the mouth of sticky harmful bacteria, it actually promotes the growth of tooth-protective, non-acidic bacteria. Plaque bacteria use sucrose and carbohydrates from our diet to grow and multiply. They create sticky threads that allow them to attach to the tooth surface and each other to form thick layers and acids that damage teeth. When plaque bacteria absorb Xylitol, they cannot multiply, produce acids, or stick to teeth. Using products like Oxyfresh toothpaste and mouthwash and chewing Spry gum means less plaque will form on teeth, and eventually plaque bacteria may be undetectable in the mouth. Xylitol also raises mouth pH and encourages mineral-rich saliva to flow into the mouth. This can protect and re-mineralize teeth by repairing the deep layers of enamel.

2.  Using MI Paste or “Liquid Tooth”. Saliva helps provide essential minerals that strengthen teeth and protect enamel. MI Paste is a product that helps release these vital minerals and stimulates saliva flow in the mouth, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities from forming so easily. MI Paste uses casein phosphopeptides that are derived from milk casein, and is ideal for buffering acids produced by bacteria and plaque, comforting dry mouth, minimizing tooth sensitivity before and after cleanings, and reducing high oral acid levels. Video: http://youtu.be/qHfBDfIZ6kQ

3. Reducing Carbohydrate Intake. Carbohydrates are sugars, which stimulate acid release in our mouths when we consume them and cause cavities. Women should try to reduce their added sugar intake to no more than six teaspoons per day and men should try to reduce their added sugar intake to no more than nine teaspoons per day. Reducing sugar intake will also reduce the acid production by bacteria in the mouth and thus, reduce the presence of dental caries.

4.     Dental Visits. The most important tip to reduce the prominence of dental caries in the mouth is to visit the dentist regularly. It is normally recommended to have a professional cleaning and exam done about twice per year. These exams and cleanings remove built-up plaque and calculus from the mouth and reduce the amount of bacteria that cause dental caries.

For more information regarding how to reduce and prevent cavities from forming, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Dental Caries, Cavities, Dental Plaque, Oral Health, Oral Bacteria, Cleanings and Exams, Xylitol, MI Paste, Tooth Mineralization, Tooth Decalcification