There are an increasing number of reports about the damage caused by dental erosion. The problems that result from this process are not new. But our increased consumption of fruity drinks, soda and energy drinks has caused an increase in the number of patients experiencing the unfortunate results of this excess.

How Acidic Foods Cause Cavities

Tooth enamel is made of minerals, and cavities are caused by a process known as demineralization. This occurs when the enamel on your tooth comes in contact with sweet foods and drinks. Waste products created by bacteria as it consumes these sugars contain the acids that cause demineralization. When these acids remain on the teeth they start producing tooth decay within minutes.

Most of us have experienced cavities, but left untreated over a long period of time, a simple cavity can result in the complete destruction of the tooth structure. With the increased consumption of soda, fruit juices and energy drinks, our Los Gatos, CA Dentist Office is seeing an increase in the number of patients with dental erosion. While sugar is the most common cause of dental erosion, some other causes are:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Consuming sour foods or candies
• Dry mouth or low saliva volume
• Acid reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn

If you experience sensitivity when eating hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks you may have dental erosion. Also, yellowing of the enamel indicates that it is thinning and exposing the yellow dentin beneath. Dental erosion can literally destroy your teeth over time if not addressed, and if it reaches this point, tooth extraction and costly dental prosthetics may be necessary.

Diligent oral hygiene habits and regular visits to your dentist are the best defense against the destruction caused by dental erosion. Your Los Gatos Dentist is trained to detect signs of dental erosion and take the necessary steps to arrest and reverse its damage. If the enamel has sustained significant cosmetic damage, veneers, either porcelain or Lumineers, may be recommended to protect your teeth and restore your healthy smile.

A number of my patients have come to me asking for more information about the benefits of Xylitol and Xylitol gum for maintaining healthy teeth. Today I’d like to address some of their questions and provide more facts about Xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener first discovered in birch tree bark and also found in many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is actually good for your teeth, unlike many other natural or synthetic sweeteners. Numerous clinical studies have shown that Xylitol does indeed prevent the growth of bacteria that causes decay. It also helps to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce plaque. Products sweetened with xylitol create an unwelcome environment for bacteria; they simply cannot stick to teeth in a xylitol-rich environment.

What are other benefits of Xylitol?

In addition, it not only has fewer calories and less effect on blood sugar than sucrose, but xylitol also inhibits the creation of acid in the mouth. This minimizes the damage done to your teeth, as well as allowing your teeth to heal at a faster rate. Xylitol has a low glycemic index of 7, compared to sugar's level of 83.

Because Xylitol is low on the glycemic index, many diabetic patients can enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. When patients at my Los Gatos, CA Dental Office complain about frequent dry mouth, I can confidently recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.

Is using Xylitol gum a substitute for brushing and dental exams?
The answer to this question is a resounding “No!” If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing Xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly after meals and get routine exams and dental cleanings at your Los Gatos Dentist.
 

While fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay, it is the most effective agent available to help maintain healthy teeth.  It is a mineral that is present to some extent in most all foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.

Why are fluoride treatments important?

Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, it is not always enough to help prevent decay.  Some of the reasons your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of fluoride treatments are:

•    Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
•    Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
•    Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
•    Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
•    Inadequate exposure to fluorides

How does fluoride work?

Topical fluoride is introduced through the use of fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses and gels. Topical fluoride strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to decay by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel. At Los Gatos CA Dentist Office, we generally recommend that children have a professional application of topical fluoride twice a year during dental check-ups.

We gain systemic fluoride from most foods and our community water supplies Systemic fluoride strengthens not only teeth that have erupted, but those still developing under the gums. It can also be obtained as a supplement in drop or gel form prescribed by your dentist or physician.  Generally, fluoride drops are recommended for infants, while tablets are best suited for children up through the teen years.

It is very important for a dental professional to monitor the amounts of fluoride a child ingests.  If too much fluoride is consumed while the teeth are developing, a condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) may result.