The holiday season can be a busy one–no one has time to get a cavity! In order to keep a healthy mouth, it is important to understand what cavities are, how they form, and what you can do to stop them from happening.
Cavities are holes that form through the erosion of the tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of your tooth which protects an inner pulp. The pulp contains the nerve endings and softer tissues of your tooth; many toothaches happen because of exposure or damage to these nerve endings.
Acids in your mouth erode tooth enamel. Acid can come from acidic foods or drinks, such as sports drinks or alcohol. The acids in your mouth are also byproduct of the bacteria living in in your mouth. These bacteria coalesce into a sticky film called plaque. They feed on sugars, then produce the acid. This is why Drs. Choi & Choi advise you to limit your sugary foods! It isn’t the sugar itself that destroys your teeth, but the acids from the bacteria that EAT the sugars.
Knowing all this, it makes sense that the best way to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth. Do this twice a day, for 2 minutes each session. This removes the plaque and debris from your mouth. Flossing every day is also incredibly important, as it removes plaque and food particles from places your brush cannot reach.
For more information, call Richard Choi, DMD & Ryan Choi, DMD in San Francisco, California, at 415-986-1491. Drs. Choi & Choi and our team are happy to help you keep your smile healthy this holiday season!
