Why is sugar bad for your teeth?

We’ve all been taught that sugar is bad for our teeth, but very few people know why sugar is bad for your teeth. We will explain in simple terms why sugar causes cavities and tooth decay.

Your mouth is full bacteria, some good and some bad. Two of the bad guys are Streptococcus Mutans and Streptococcus Sobrinus. These strains of bacteria feed on sugar. When these bacteria digest the sugar left on your teeth after drinking a Coke or eating a cookie they produce an acid that slowly eats away at your tooth enamel.

Enamel is the shiny outer layer of your teeth that protects them. This acid, over time, slowly demineralizes the enamel on your teeth, stripping it of its protective minerals.

The good news is that your mouth isn’t defenseless against this acid. Your saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that work to reverse this demineralization process, by slowly remineralizing your tooth enamel. The problem is that the sugar content of our diets is increasing and our teeth are under almost constant attack. Simply put, our saliva simply can’t keep up. This is why dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice per day and preferably after eating a sugary snack or drinking a soft drink. By brushing your teeth, you remove some of the sugar residues which in turn leaves less food for the bad bacteria to turn into damaging acid.

Losing that first tooth is a milestone in every child’s life; however, did you know that when and how a child loses their baby teeth can affect their orthodontic needs later on?

Losing baby teeth too soon, too late or in the wrong order can cause the new adult teeth to come in in the wrong position. The severity of this misalignment will determine the extent to which they will need orthodontic treatment in their teens.

One of the most common issues caused by losing baby teeth too early is crowding. Baby teeth preserve space for adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early, that space can be lost and cause the adult teeth to come in crooked. Alternatively, if baby teeth are lost too late, the underlying adult teeth can become crowded, and may not be able to push out the baby teeth. It’s important to note that pulling baby teeth may not correct this kind of crowding.

Another issue that can arise when baby teeth are lost late is that the adult teeth can erupt before the baby teeth are gone. This results in two rows of teeth. In most cases this corrects itself over time; however, it is important to take your child to the dentist every 6 months so your dentist can monitor your child’s progress.

Late tooth loss could be a sign of a missing adult tooth. Baby teeth need adult teeth to push them out. If an adult tooth is missing there is nothing to loosen the baby tooth and start the process. Congenital missing teeth affects 1% of the population. If you are worried that your child may be missing an adult tooth, contact your dentist for an x-ray. If your child has a missing adult tooth your dentist may recommend preserving the baby tooth, replace the missing tooth with an implant or depending on where the missing tooth is and how noticeable it is, close the space with braces.

It is important to remember that every child is different and will lose their baby teeth at their own pace. Most cases resolve themselves over time; however, if you are concerned about your child’s teeth visit your dentist. They can take x-rays, examine your child’s teeth, diagnose if there is an issue, and develop a treatment plan if necessary.

Most children suck their thumbs at some point in their life.  While most grow out of the habit around 6 or 7 months of age, most stop on their own before they start preschool. However, a small percentage of children continue sucking their thumbs beyond age four.

For infants, thumb or finger sucking is perfectly normal.  Infants have a natural sucking reflex which can be observed in the womb. This sucking reflex not only helps your infant eat, but it also provides a level of comfort and can help your child feel secure.

The American Dental Association recommends that children stop sucking their thumbs by age four to prevent any long term negative effects to their oral development. Aside from the potential for teasing from classmates and the risk of illness from putting dirty thumbs into their mouths, the dangers of thumb sucking can have long-lasting negative consequences for their dental health. Children who suck their thumbs past the age of four risks affecting the correct development of their mouth and jaw.  This damage can change the future placement of permanent teeth, which can require extensive orthodontic treatment to correct when they are older.

One of the most common consequences of extended thumb sucking is an open bite. An open bite is where the front teeth do not come together. The technical term for this condition is a malocclusion. Malocclusion is when misaligned teeth are visible when the mouth is closed, which is often due to the top and bottom front teeth protruding forward.

Another common complication of thumb sucking is an overbite. Similar to malocclusion, overbite is when the front teeth protrude forward. An overbite is different from an open bite in that an overbite is limited to the top front teeth.

Children who suck their thumbs are also at risk for skin issues. When exposed to moisture from the mouth, skin on the thumbs can become vulnerable to injury and infection. The pressure from sucking on the thumb can cause the thumbnail to become warped, cause ingrowing of the nail or peeling.

Some children who suck their thumbs can also experience speech issues. Thumb sucking can alter the formation of the jaw, palate, and teeth, which can lead to lisping and other speech impediments.

To minimize these issues, the ADA recommends a few tactics to parents to help your child stop sucking their thumb:

•             Praise a child for not sucking, instead of reprimanding for doing it.

•             Because sucking can result from feeling insecure, address the “cause of the anxiety and comfort the child.”

•             Provide rewards when a child avoids sucking.

•             Ask a dentist to help during a regular checkup or special visit by encouraging the child and explaining what may happen to the teeth if the child’s habit continues.

If you have any concerns about your child’s thumb-sucking habit, take them to see a dentist sooner rather than later. Taking infants and young children to the dentist for regular dental check-ups can help get them used to going to the dentist and prevent any anxiety as well as identify any concerns early.

Orthodontist in Lafayette

We all know the importance of making a great first impression. Whether you’re going into a job interview or about to go on your first date with someone new, you want to have the confidence that comes with a great smile. After years of wear and tear however, a lot of people end up with teeth that they’re not completely proud to show off. If you feel unhappy with the way your smile looks, don’t worry; there are plenty of options that can help.

Figuring out the best ways to improve your smile can be a daunting task, but our dental team is here to help, offering a range of services dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.

8 Ways to Improve Your Smile

1.    Teeth Whitening

2.    Dental Crowns

3.    Veneers

4.    Tooth Bonding

5.    Braces or Invisalign®

6.    Dental Implants

7.    Brushing and Flossing

8.    Regular Dental Visits

There are a myriad of ways you can improve your smile. Whether you decide to pursue a more in-depth treatment at our clinic or simply want advice on how to improve your oral health routine at home, our dentists are happy to help. Our highly trained team offers all the state of the art services necessary to help keep your mouth healthy and your smile shining bright.

It’s clear that there are a lot of treatments available for anyone looking to improve their smile. With options for any budget, there’s no reason to wait to begin your journey towards a better smile. To schedule a professional cleaning or to speak with someone about a personalized treatment plan, contact our office today!

4906 Ambassador Caffery, Pkway., Building L, Suite 1200, Lafayette, LA 70508

REFERENCES:

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ways-to-improve-smile

https://findadentist.ada.org/

70508 Orthodontist

It has long been known that dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, which is important for developing and maintaining strong teeth and bones. However, not all dairy works in the same ways. Did you know that a recent study has found that cheese can actually help protect teeth against cavities?

How does cheese prevent cavities?

Eating cheese helps stimulate the production of saliva in your child’s mouth, which washes away sugars, acids, and bacteria on their teeth. Additionally, cheese is a great source of both calcium and phosphorous, which can help strengthen tooth enamel. What’s more, the scientists who performed the study found that some of the other compounds found in cheese seem to adhere to tooth enamel, further protecting the teeth from acids in the mouth.

Are all cheeses the same?

No, some cheeses are healthier for your family than others. To get the greatest benefit from your child’s cheese intake, stick with real cheese varieties, rather than processed cheeses. American cheese, cheese dips, and pre-packaged cheese products, such as those found in jars or spray cans, have added sugars to enhance their flavor. These sugars can be harmful to teeth, rather than protecting them. In addition, these types of cheese products contain a significantly reduced amount of actual cheese content. These processed cheeses can even wear down tooth enamel, increasing risk of decay.

What kinds of cheese should I give my child?

There are hundreds of types of real cheese available, which are packed with calcium and great for tooth protection. If your child enjoys aged cheeses, Cheddar, Swiss, Monterey jack are all tasty options. If he or she prefers softer cheeses, Mozzarella, Brie, or Camembert may be a great way to make your child smile. Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and other similar cheeses have much to offer for a child with a more expansive palate.

What if we’re on a low-fat diet?

Good news! The fat content of your cheese choices do not affect its ability to protect your child’s teeth. The low-fat or non-fat versions of your child’s favorite varieties of cheese contain just as much calcium, phosphorous, and other tooth-protecting compounds as the full-fat varieties.

With so many great options to choose from, consider offering your child cheese instead of sugary or starchy options for a snack or end of meal treat. Cheese tastes great and is healthy for your child and their teeth. For more ideas for healthy snacking, contact our pediatric dental office.

Resource: https://www.sciencedaily.com

4906 Ambassador Caffery, Pkway., Building L, Suite 1200, Lafayette, LA 70508