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

Ten Teeth Brushing Mistakes You Could Be Making

Ten Teeth Cleaning Mistakes You May Be Making

Throughout our lives, brushing our teeth becomes a menial task implemented in the daily routine that seems to come with a simple rule that if it is being done, it is working. However, what many people unfortunately do not know is that there are many important aspects to the teeth cleaning routine that can be done incorrectly, and thus can bear painful and financial consequences. Visiting Mina Levi DDS Dentist San Francisco can be helpful in determining proper brushing aspects. Below we discuss ten mistakes you may be making in your dental hygiene routine and why they are important.

1. Incorrect Toothbrush Bristles. Who knew that the type of bristles on your toothbrush mattered? If the bristles on the toothbrush are too hard or too stiff it can affect the gums and can also damage your tooth enamel. Therefore it is recommended that you use a softer-bristled toothbrush to avoid this kind of damage. To soften a stiff bristled tooth brush, run the toothbrush under hot water before using it to clean your teeth. However, if the bristles are too soft, they may not be strong enough to help remove plaque buildup which can cause gum disease.

2. Not Using the Proper Toothbrush. There are many options when it comes to choosing a toothbrush, but these options are limited in choosing the right toothbrush. When using a manual toothbrush, a soft-bristled choice is better because it causes less damage to the gums and the enamel. Also, be sure to choose a manual toothbrush that has a comfortable handle size. If the handle is the wrong size, it can cause tiring of the hand and thus a poorer quality brushing technique. When using an electric toothbrush, choose one with settings that fit your needs such as a sensitivity mode. Although electric toothbrushes may help with the cleaning, the benefits of using an electric toothbrush are lost when brushing technique is of poor quality or is undervalued.

3. Not Brushing Enough. One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is not brushing enough times a day or not brushing for long enough during each session. Not brushing at least two times a day allows for more dental plaque to build up on the teeth and increases the risk for dental caries and gum inflammation, which can eventually lead to cavities and gingivitis. Each brushing session should last at least two minutes in order to ensure that all of the teeth and all of the teeth surfaces are being cleaned well. If the sessions are too short, some of the surfaces of the teeth may go un-cleaned, and cavities can develop.

4. Brushing Too Much. Usually we hear that we aren’t brushing enough, but brushing too much can also be an issue. Brushing more than three times a day can irritate the gums and begin to erode the enamel of the teeth. Brushing too many times can also expose some of the tooth root to increased irritation which further aggravates the gum tissue. Two to three times a day is the ideal brushing routine.

5. Brushing Too Hard. Brushing too hard or with too much pressure can be damaging in the same way as using a toothbrush with very course bristles. Brushing too hard can irritate the gums and cause erosion of the dental enamel, making your teeth more easily prone to cavities. It is suggested that you brush softly, and if you are “squishing” the bristles of the toothbrush against the teeth you are brushing too hard.

6. Not Brushing Correctly. Even if you choose a good quality toothbrush and are brushing your teeth three times a day, if you are not executing the proper technique problems can occur. The toothbrush needs to be angled around 45˚ toward the gum line in order to make sure the plaque is being removed from the space between the gums and the teeth called the “gingival sulcus”. Brushing should be done in short, vertical strokes or in small circular motions, avoiding horizontal strokes. It is also very important to make sure that all of the surfaces of the teeth are brushed thoroughly, and that the tongue is also brushed to ensure fresh breath. Improper technique can lead to the buildup of plaque on certain teeth surfaces or in the gingival sulcus, causing dental caries and gingivitis. It may be helpful to use plaque disclosing tablets every now and then to ensure that the proper technique is being utilized and every surface is being cleaned. To see proper brushing technique and advice, see this video.

7. Brushing the Same Way Every Time. Many people have their own brushing routine, but brushing the same way each time you brush is problematic. As the brushing session goes on, we get bored or tired and put less effort into cleaning. So if you start the session by brushing the same quadrant first, this one quadrant will be getting the most attention, and the last quadrant cleaned will be underprovided for.

8. Skipping the Inside Surfaces of Teeth. Many people focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth because they are the ones that are visible and are more easily accessible than the insides of the teeth. However, skipping the inside surfaces of the teeth or saving those surfaces for the last part of the brushing session every time can allow for plaque to build up on one side and can sit there for such a long time it develops into a hard calculus that is difficult to remove without the assistance of a professional. This build-up causes periodontal disease and can increase dental caries.


9. Not Replacing the Toothbrush Regularly. Many people only replace their toothbrush when they get lost while traveling or get dirty. However, it is important to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis such as every three months. After a while, the bristles become worn down and lose their effectiveness in cleaning, becoming more stiff and even breaking apart. It is also recommended that toothbrushes should also be replaced after suffering from an illness such as strep throat, because the bacteria may linger or grow on the toothbrush and be re-implemented into the body with further use. However, recent studies have shown this may not be completely necessary if the toothbrush is disinfected properly.

10. Not Letting The Toothbrush Dry Out Between Sessions. If a toothbrush is not allowed to dry between teeth brushings sessions, it can cultivate bacteria in the bristles which will go back into your mouth and can cause illness. Also, remaining wetness on the toothbrush can allow the bristles to warp as you use them and will decrease their effectiveness. After each brushing session, shake out the moisture and let dry. Covering the top of the toothbrush after shaking out moisture with a cap that allows air in to the cap may also be helpful in the drying process and can help prevent the growth of oral bacteria.

Topics: Teeth Brushing, Toothbrush, Brushing Technique, Bacteria, Gingivitis, Plaque, Oral Hygiene, Dentist San Francisco, Gum Disease, Erosion, Oral Bacteria