Modern Diet Problems
Our modern diet is a monster. From carbohydrate and sucrose laden foods that stick to the crevices of our teeth, to the acidic sodas and beverages we like to consume, we are constantly adding fuel to the fire of decay.It is a wonder that people do not have more cavities than they do. Then there is the question of :
When is a cavity really a cavity?
Dentists know that the beginning stages of a cavity are reversible. The teeth, like other body tissues, can heal. The problem is determining when the line is crossed and a cavity really DOES need to be filled.This becomes more complicated when you learn that visiting 3 or more different dentists yields very different diagnoses and ideas about 'what must be done' to 'fix' your mouth.
If you are ever in doubt, go get a second or even third opinion. You will quickly learn that perceptions can vary greatly. This leaves you with a feeling of "What's going on here?"
Dentists are fully aware that this happens. It is not a surprise to them to learn that other dentists have different opinions.
One woman I spoke to said that she went to a dentist who said she had 8 cavities to be filled. Another dentist told her far less. So it is interesting, isn't it?
One time, a dentist told me that I had a cavity. I waited until my next visit and saw a different dentist in the SAME office. The second dentist told me there was no cavity there.
Another time, a dentist told me I had three cavities. I was suspicious about that. I went to another dentist who did not agree with the first one.
The first dentist also told me I might need a crown if he were to fix the leaky filling that I went to visit him for. He actually said that he would not know until 'he got in there'. How convenient that he had a crown making machine right there in the office!
The second dentist told me there was no way he would need to place a crown and that he could easily replace that filling - which he did - without the need for a crown.
If you ask around, you might hear similar stories from your friends and circles. So, if you are ever in doubt, go ahead and get that second or even third opinion.
There ARE good dentist out there, you just need to be selective about who you allow to work on your mouth.
Helping Yourself To Prevent Cavities and Broken Teeth
One of the key understandings about your teeth is that they are constant undergoing rebuilding or tearing down. This is greatly influenced by the pH of your mouth.The saliva is striving to help your enamel stay strong. When you have a higher pH in your mouth then you are helping the saliva to drive minerals into the tooth enamel.
When you have an acidic mouth, you may be directly influencing that reaction in the wrong way. In addition, the acid producing or 'bad' bacteria reproduce faster in an acidic mouth. This causes a greater build of acidity. A 'loop' so to speak.
Some of the things we eat and drink are quite acidic! Coffee and colas are among some of the most acidic beverages around.
Now, I am not suggesting a drastic alteration to your diet and lifestyle - as that is not always very practical.
Instead, consider paying particular attention to the pH balance of your mouth. Perhaps pH balances mouthwash such as these can help? Maybe if you focus on rebalancing pH after that acidic coffee or soda, you could help your teeth stay stronger?
At any rate, this is a big clue to helping you prevent cavities. The mouth pH is very important. Acidic foods and beverages serve to undermine the natural strengthening that our saliva attempts to perform.
* I speak in general terms here. Specific questions about your unique dental health situation should be directed towards your periodontist or dentist. They can also provide advice, diagnosis and treatment, while this article cannot and does not.
I hope this information was helpful?
Sincerely,
David Snape
ToothyGrinsStore.com
1-888-586-6849
PS: my favorite home use tool for dental health promotion between office visits.
PPS: stopping bad breath guide.
About Cracked and Broken Teeth
