Fruit Juices and Smoothies: Are They Bad for Our Teeth?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not just sugar that damages our teeth, but acid, too. Acid is usually found in frizzy drinks such as sodas, and wines. However, another source of acid would be… fruit juices. Yes, you read it correctly. Though fruit juices are healthy for the body, they might not be too healthy for our teeth. Fruit juice contains concentrated amounts of all nutrients found in fruits such as vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants. However, they also contain other substances that are harmful to the teeth. 

Sugar
Sugar is one of the substances that are most harmful to the teeth. It is consumed by bacteria in the mouth and gets converted to acid – this causes cavities and wears away teeth. Dental plaque is what we call the build-up of these bacteria on the tooth surface. The bacteria also irritate the gums – this might lead to gum disease and can weaken the teeth, causing them to fall out. Even fruit juices that come in their pure form contain large amounts of natural sugars that also affect the teeth. In reality, a pure fruit juice might even contain more sugar than a soda. 

Acid
The enamel on the teeth is more fragile than most of us think. It gets affected by the acid released by mouth bacteria, and it wears down even faster by acids found in common fruit juices. Lime or cranberry fruit juices can actually be more acidic than vinegar when consumed excessively. This can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitive teeth, cavities and tooth loss, eventually. Fruit juices, which are often used as a substitute for sodas especially for children, might even cause more damage as it is acidic. Orange juice, in particular, has been found to decrease tooth hardness and roughen the surface of the teeth which leave them more prone to cavities and plaque. 

Prevention
Some fruit juices are still nutritious compared to sodas, despite some harmful effects on the teeth. To prevent teeth damage, it is best to limit the consumption of fruit juices. You can also dilute the juice in water to decrease the amount of damage to the teeth. It is, of course, necessary to brush regularly, especially after drinking juice – this helps in controlling the levels of bacteria on the teeth. You may also drink fruit juices using straws to decrease the damage it can cause to the teeth. 

For any dental concerns such as build-up of cavities and plaque, contact us. Here at Pickering Square Dental, we aim to solve any dental issues for our beloved patients. 

Important Dental Care Tips for Seniors

For those reaching their golden years additional worries about their health are nothing new.  Advancing age makes the body more susceptible to injuries, complications, and disease.  In addition health issues that build over time often come to a head in later years further complicating a senior’s medical situation.  Dental health is no different and there are important things every senior should know about additional risks they may have and what they can do to lower those risks.

Issues Specific to Seniors

Cavities can start to pop up again in old age after not having them for many years.  The primary cause of this is dry mouth which is a reduction of the flow of teeth-protecting saliva.  Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging however, but a very common side-effect of hundreds of different medications including those for high blood pressure and Parkinson’s disease.  Your dentist can help you combat this, provided they’re aware of the medications you’re taking.

Gum disease is often painless until it reaches the advanced stage – and advanced age can often be when it strikes.  Seniors may also suffer darkened teeth due to decades consuming stain-causing beverages or the thinning of the outer enamel layer.  Tooth loss can also happen more often due to gum disease and root decay that may be the result of receding gums.

Preventative Care

There are a lot of issues but the good news is that most of it can be prevented with a fairly standard dental hygiene regimen catered to your specific needs.  That means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist on a regular schedule, a minimum of twice a year or more depending on specific circumstances.  For dry mouth specifically drinking more water will help, as will chewing sugar-free gum, oral moisturizers, and avoiding beverages that can irritate dry mouths alike alcohol or coffee.

Getting old isn’t easy but it can be made easier with the right preventative care.  If you are, or know, a senior who requires dental care contact us at Pickering Square Dental today and we’ll be happy to assist.

5 Common Cavity Myths

Cavities might be a routine problem that dental professionals resolve every day, but that doesn’t means that that the general public hasn’t developed a misunderstanding on the ways in which cavities can occur. There are a number of myths around how to avoid cavities. And these myths often harm patients and prevent them from truly understanding their oral health needs. Within this blog, we’ll outline five common cavity myths.

1. Myth: Kids are More Likely to Develop Cavities than Adults

Several studies over the last 20 years have shown that children’s cavity numbers are decreasing while cavities among senior citizens are on the rise. This highlights the importance in a commitment to effective oral health for those of every age.

2. Myth: All Cavities Cause Pain

The vast majority of us might never feel pain if we have a cavity. The pain that’s often associated with cavities is actually the tooth decay caused by the cavity. This highlights the importance of regular dental health checkups to ensure that there are no hidden cavities.

3. Myth: Cavities are Always in a Visible Spot

The majority of cavities are likely to be in a hidden spot in the mouth where the brush might not have reached. Because those hidden spots between teeth are the areas where cavities commonly occur, it’s important to floss carefully after meals and ensure no food debris is still in the mouth for long periods.

4. Myth: Sugar is the Primary Cause of Cavities

Bacteria are the cause of cavities. These bacteria can be triggered to make acid when you eat anything with carbohydrates. And the acid is the element that erodes teeth and causes cavities. It’s important to remember that it’s not always the type of food you eat but the amount of time your teeth are exposed to that food. This means that those who eat a lot of carbs during meals are more likely to get a cavity than those who eat a small amount of carbs on a regular basis.

5. Myth: A Treated Tooth Cannot Experience Another Cavity

Just because a tooth was treated for a cavity doesn’t mean that it’s immune from having another cavity in the future. Changes in the mouth might mean that the filling separates from the tooth, allowing bacteria to sneak in and begin the decaying process again. The only way to prevent further cavities in teeth is to stay vigilant and complete a comprehensive oral care regimen.

By speaking with our Team and completing your own research, you can uncover the truths behind each of the latest cavity myths.