The pandemic (COVID-19) has created enormous stress and disrupted many of our daily habits and routines for oral health care and wellness. While working from your home, are you eating more carbs frequently? Drinking more sugary beverages? Craving unhealthy foods?
These changes to your diet can have a huge impact on your oral health care. Did you know that carbs, when combined with the bacteria in your mouth, produce acid? This acid attacks your teeth for at least 20 minutes each time you eat or drink, increasing your risk for cavities. You can defend against these attacks by maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding carbohydrates. You can also include proteins like nuts, meat, and cheese in your meals and snacks to help neutralize the acidity of your saliva.
Five Ways To Reduce The Acid Attacks:
1. Reduce Citrus Intake
Food and drinks high in citric acid erode tooth enamel. In bad cases, this process of demineralization, acid works its way to the soft layer beneath the enamel called the dentin. These advanced cases lead to tooth sensitivity and pain.
2. Drink More Water, Less of Everything Else
Water is an amazing tool in the fight against acid attacks, and it also strengthens tooth enamel. It also improves saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth and restores the healthy PH balance of the mouth.
3. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Do not forget to replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months, or more regularly if it starts to look worn or splayed. Remember, if your toothbrush is old or worn out, you are putting yourself at a higher risk of dental problems such as decay.
4. Flossing is a Must
Dental floss is a traditional and straightforward way to clean between your teeth. Failing to adequately floss leaves approximately one-third of your tooth surfaces uncleaned. This can greatly increase your chance of tooth decay and gum disease.
5. Decrease Your Daily Consumption of Sugar
When you frequently snack on sugary foods, it increases the acidity in your mouth. This acid attacks your tooth enamel and weakens it, eventually resulting in cavities. So be careful about your intake of sugar and if you want to snack on sweet treats, include them as part of your main meal, as it will reduce the amount of time your mouth is acidic and the potential damage to your teeth.
Have a Dental Emergency? We’re Here to Help.
If you believe you have an emergency case, contact our Woodstock Dental Centre. We will ask you for information regarding your situation and advise you on any necessary next steps. If you do need to visit the clinic, we will book an appointment.
As always, we are here for you. If you have any questions about the above, or if you require emergency dental care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 519-537-6666.