Soft Drinks and Tooth Decay

Most people are aware that soft drinks contain sugar and/or sugar substitutes. However, are you aware of the amount of 'acid' in the soda you drink? Even diet sodas are acidic in nature, therefore they can still weaken tooth enamel. Several popular soft drinks were tested for their sugar and acidity. In a 12 oz serving results show a range from zero to ten teaspoons of sugar and from 2.53 to 4.61 pH with a pH of 7 being neutral. Also, don't be misled in thinking soft drinks are the only culprits. Many 'ready to drink' iced tea, lemonade, juice and energy drinks are just as damaging to your teeth. The key is to drink in moderation or even better......drink water instead.

Dry Mouth?????

Many people suffer from symptoms
of dry mouth due to aging, medications and other medical procedures such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments. This can leave them with painful mouth tissues, difficulty in swallowing, food not tasting good and prone to dental decay, gum disease and bad breath. A product named 'Biotene', (although not a cure), is available to relieve those symptoms. 100% alcohol free, it is available over-the-counter and comes in a mouthwash, toothpaste and oral moisturizer.

.....Oral Cancer.....

More than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. When it is found in its early stages 90% can be cured. However, over 8,000 die of orally-related cancer because they don't have regular oral exams. Who is at risk?? If you are over 40 years old, use tobacco (smoking or smokeless), drink alcohol frequently, have had other cancer, if you are immunocompromised and male then you are at a greater risk. Yet, 25% of all oral cancer occurs in people who don't have any of these risk factors. What are the signs and symptoms? 1) A white or red patch in your mouth. 2) A sore that doesn't heal in 10-14 days or bleeds easily. 3) Pain or soreness in your mouth, cheeks, lips or throat that you cannot explain. 4) Swelling in your mouth or neck. 5) Difficulty chewing or swallowing or moving your jaw and/or mouth. What can you do? Identify your risk factors and tell your healthcare provider. Avoid tobacco and overuse of alcohol. Know what the symptoms are of oral cancer and have a regular oral cancer screening at least one time per year. At our office we use a new 'tool' to help diagnose possible malignancies in the mouth. It is called VELSCOPE. Please see our webpage on NEW TECHNOLOGIES to learn more about how this works.

...If you suddenly have a bunch of cavities...

It might mean: Diabetes

Say you've gone most of your life without many cavities; then at your biannual check-up, your dentist announces you've got five. Assuming you're not hooked on soda or taking any new medications, the tooth decay could be a sign that you're body is having trouble processing glucose. When that happens, the sugar can build up in saliva and spur the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, says Haberkamp. You might also feel some tooth pain, especially after eating something sweet, hot, or cold. "For the record, cavities aren’t the only oral side effect of diabetes," she adds. "Gum disease, oral thrush, and dry mouth are others, too."

...If your teeth are “wearing away”...

It might mean: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Heartburn can happen to anyone. But if you’re experiencing it more than twice a week for a few weeks in a row, you may have GERD, a condition in which stomach acids leaks into the esophagus. While some people experience a “burning” sensation in their chest or throat, others don’t experience any symptoms at all.

When stomach acid reaches the mouth, it can wear away the enamel on your teeth. “Erosion from GERD is typically on the tongue side of the teeth,” says Haberkamp.  “A person may not notice this, since it may occur slowly, but a dentist would notice on a periodic exam.” If you are diagnosed with GERD, it may be treated with antacids, prescription meds, and lifestyle changes like avoiding certain foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals.

...If your gums bleed when you brush...

It might mean: Gingivitis

Unless you just started flossing your teeth or you're brushing too hard (in which case, ease up!), blood in the sink may indicate inflammation of your gum tissue caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontitis, in which the gums recede from the teeth and form pockets that get infected. And that may signal trouble beyond your mouth: A study published in the American Heart Journal found that people with periodontitis are also more likely to have heart disease, though it's unclear whether caring for your teeth can also protect your ticker. 

Make an appointment with your dentist if you think you might have gingivitis. Also make sure you're using the right toothbrush (one that's not too stiff), and remember to floss gently: The American Dental Association recommends that people lightly “guide” the floss between your teeth—not saw it back and forth until it scrapes your gums. 

...If you have white spots on your tongue...

It might mean: Oral thrush

White patches or plaques can be a symptom of oral thrush, an infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida yeast. It's not super common, but people who have diabetes, dry mouth, or a depressed immune system are more at risk. Additional signs of the infection include redness, difficulty swallowing, or cracking at the corners of your mouth. If you develop thrush, your MD or dentist may prescribe an antifungal medication.