Pasadena Texas Dentist
“Bad teeth run in my family.” Dentist Michael Nugent frequently hears this. What it could mean is that patients have bad habits in their family. Everyone has bacteria in their mouth. When the bacteria get sugar they produce acid. It is this acid that can literally bore a hole in your tooth. Think of the acid from the Alien movies.
We would all love to keep our teeth so we need to eliminate bacteria, sugar or both. Proper brushing (preferably with a good electric toothbrush), flossing and mouth rinse can help eliminate bacteria. Cutting down on sugar intake is also easy. However, it is not the amount of sugar intake that is vital. It is how long the sugar is in the mouth. Dr. Nugent would rather you ate a pound of candy really fast then snack on the same one pound of candy all day.
Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth. The enamel will start to break down at a pH of 5.5 or lower. An often overlooked factor is the sugar and acid content of beverages. Take a look at the shocking numbers below. Keep in mind that 4 grams of sugar equal one tea spoon.
Dental decay can happen rapidly at any age. Along with proper diet, brushing and flossing habits, seeing Pasadena Texas Dentist Michael Nugent will help you create a smile to last a lifetime. Call us at 713-941-8261 to schedule your cleaning and exam!
When bacteria consume sugars in your mouth and make acid as a byproduct, tooth decay takes place. The acid erodes your tooth enamel and creates a cavity, or “hole,” in the tooth.
Important facts regarding tooth decay:
- Sugar is a food source for oral bacteria, thus routinely consuming high-sugar foods raises your risk of tooth decay.
- Pain, inflammation, and infection can all be brought on by tooth decay.
- The best and most conservative course of therapy is to see your dentist as soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed below.
- The greatest method of prevention is to consistently brush and floss your teeth, use fluoride toothpaste, stay away from sugary foods or consume them sparingly, and visit your dentist.
Why does tooth decay occur?
The hardest substance in the human body is healthy dental enamel. Plaque, a layer of germs, forms on it very quickly and readily. This grows most effectively in the spaces in between your teeth, in the fissures on the biting surfaces of teeth, and along the gum line.
The bacteria continue to enjoy the small quantity of food that is left on your teeth after you eat because they eat when you do. These bacteria use sugar and other carbohydrates as fuel, but they also produce acid as a byproduct. Teeth are harmed by acid.
Some foods, including as soft drinks and juices, are particularly harmful if they are already acidic since they can harm your teeth even in the absence of bacterial action.
What tooth decay symptoms and telltale signs are there?
- a tooth with food and debris on it
- teeth that are broken or discolored
- intolerance to heat or cold
- sensitivity to sweet food
- having trouble chewing or eating; toothache
- bad breath
Dental cavities are treated by removing the the decayed portion of the tooth. Then the hole is filled with a white resin.
What can I do to stop tooth decay?
Bacteria grow in plaque and tartar, which create the perfect environment for them. The key to preventing tooth decay is maintaining good dental hygiene and keeping plaque and tartar at bay.
Tips to avoid cavities:
- To avoid dental issues or detect them early, visit your dentist regularly.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day, focusing on the final thing at night before bed.
- Every day, floss (or use an interdental cleaning) between your teeth.
- Don’t eat anything sweet, especially in between meals.
- Avoid consuming carbonated beverages; even diet soft drinks contain acids that can damage your teeth. Drink water and sugar-free beverages in its place.
- Eat a calcium- and phosphate-rich diet that includes leafy greens, fruit, lean meat, and poultry, as well as dairy products.
Dr. Nugent sees patients from Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, League City, Friendswood, Clear Lake, Pearland, Webster and Houston Texas. Dr. Nugent has been honored by winning PASADENA TEXAS BEST DENTIST 2010 and PASADENA TEXAS BEST DENTIST 2011. The newspaper only did the Best of Voting those two years.
