Tooth enamel is very hard but...
That doesn't mean you can't break it.
Our office recommends to avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel.
It's not just the sugar - it's also the acid
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy.
Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst. There is even a name for the damage it does and it is called "Dew Mouth."
These erode the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these because young children's enamle hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids.
As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), it is recommended to always brush and floss after every meal. If you can't, use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after a meal. Also rinse your mouth with a high quality dental mouthwash.
The Importance of Hygiene Visits
A crucial reason to visit your dentist is to have your teeth cleaned by a professional hygienist. Plaque and tartar build up on teeth over time. Plaque is gooey, and regular brushing can normally eliminate the bulk of it. But leftover plaque solidifies into tartar, which is outside the scope of your standard toothbrush and floss. Tartar collects below the gumline as well as on the surface of your teeth, leading to the growth of bacteria that can produce gum disease. Recent research shows a definite link between untreated gum disease and other serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you don’t remove plaque, you’re taking a serious risk with your continued well-being. Having your teeth cleaned regularly is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy!
Kevin Rykard, DDS
12448 St. Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 752-2626
OklahomaDentistry.com
We Care About Kids!
You won’t need a different dentist for each member of your family. Dr. Rykard endeavors to make children of all ages feel at ease and enjoy themselves. In our office, your child will receive the newest developments in children’s dentistry, dispensed with gentleness, thoughtfulness, and kindness. We encourage correct dental care habits in children and love educating them on how to keep their teeth healthy for a lifetime. We look forward to meeting them on their first dental visit when they are eight months old and seeing them grow more amazing year after year.
One of our primary commitments is to make certain that this and future generations of children grow up without a dread of the dental office. According to our many happy parents, we are doing just that! Our office is a comfortable, exciting place that children love to visit. Whether you have a rambunctious five-year-old or an anxious ten-year-old, we are here to help you.
Kevin Rykard, DDS
12448 St. Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 752-2626
OklahomaDentistry.com
The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth
Gum disease, not decay, is the reason most people suffer from tooth loss. Unfortunately, the infection can go entirely unnoticed until you begin losing your teeth. Symptoms to be aware of include bleeding gums when you brush or floss and loose or shifting teeth. If you’ve been notified that you may require gum surgery, you will be excited to learn that it’s now possible to control gum disease with an assortment of non-surgical methods.
Kevin Rykard, DDS
12448 St. Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 752-2626
OklahomaDentistry.com
Tooth enamel is very hard but...
