Drinks That Can Damage Your Teeth

Drinks That Can Damage Your Teeth

Drinks That Can Damage Your Teeth

Drinks That Can Damage Your Teeth

Numerous studies have shown that drinks like soda, coffee, and tea can have a negative impact on your teeth. The acids in these beverages can break down the enamel, leading to tooth decay and sensitivity. In addition, the sugars in these drinks are a major contributor to cavities. If you regularly consume any of these beverages, it is important to take extra steps to protect your teeth. First, try to cut back on the amount you drink. When you do drink these beverages, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. And be sure to brush and floss regularly to remove any residual sugars. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your teeth healthy despite the acidic nature of these drinks. The best dentist in Parker CO explains the drinks that can damage your teeth. 

Can Soda Ruin Your Teeth?

Did you know that the sugars in soft drinks interact with bacteria in your mouth to form acid? Our friends at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, the pediatric dentist in Murray Utah, say this acid then attacks your teeth, causing damage. In fact, if you sip on sodas throughout the day, your teeth are constantly under attack from the acids contained in both regular and sugar-free sodas. This damaging reaction lasts for about 20 minutes each time you take a sip. Over time, this can lead to serious tooth damage. So next time you reach for a soda, think about the impact it could have on your teeth and consider choosing a healthier option instead. Your teeth will thank you!

The Effects of Fruity Drinks 

While sugary drinks are often blamed as the leading cause of tooth decay, acidic beverages such as fruit juice can damage your teeth. The acids in citrus juices can wear away at tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and cavities. Studies have shown that frequent consumption of orange juice can reduce the hardness of tooth enamel by up to 84%. It is important to limit your consumption of acidic drinks and brush your teeth soon after consuming them to protect your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to neutralize the acids and help protect your teeth. Also, by contacting your pediatric dentist in Parker CO for some tips on how your kids can avoid damaging their teeth. You can help keep your smile healthy and bright by taking these steps.

Drinking Coffee Can Ruin Your Teeth And Stain Them

Coffee, black tea, and alcohol are all potential causes of tooth staining. The dark pigments in these beverages can quickly build up on the surface of the teeth, leading to an unattractive appearance. In addition, sugar can promote the growth of bacteria, while alcohol can cause the mouth to become dry and more susceptible to infection. To help prevent tooth staining, it is important to brush and floss regularly and to see your dentist in Parker CO for regular cleanings. In addition, avoiding sugary drinks and using a straw when drinking coffee or tea can help to minimize the risk of staining.

Contact Green Dental Care!

A smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s important to take care of your teeth. Green Dental Care offers a wide range of dental services to keep your smile looking its best. We recommend getting a teeth cleaning and a routine checkup at least twice a year. A professional teeth cleaning can remove tartar and plaque that you may not be able to reach with just brushing and flossing. We will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems during a routine checkup. We will also clean your teeth and perform a complete oral exam. Contact Green Dental Care today to schedule an appointment for a teeth cleaning and a routine checkup.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Caring for Your Child's Teeth

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Caring for Your Child's Teeth

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Helping your child form dental care habits at an early age will ensure strong healthy teeth that will last a lifetime. Experts at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO share the following tips for taking care of your child’s teeth.

Don’t Wait for Teeth to Erupt Before Commencing Oral Care

Oral care begins as soon as a baby is born. Don’t wait until you see the first teeth erupting in order to start taking care of your child’s oral health. Instead, Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker CO, recommends that you use a damp cloth to wipe the gums of the baby after every feeding session. This will remove any food residues which may have fed bacteria and triggered oral health issues, such as infections.

Regulate Feeding Schedules

It is also unwise to leave your baby with his or her feeding bottle throughout the night or day while the baby is in the crib. Unregulated feeding increases the likelihood that oral bacteria will thrive in the mouth of your baby since there is unlimited access to sugary substances. Dentists in Parker, CO recommend that you take away the feeding bottle as soon as the baby is full. Follow this with wiping the gums using a damp cloth as suggested earlier.

Start Brushing Once Your Child’s Teeth Erupt

Dr. Chris Green explains that two front teeth in the lower jaw are normally the first to erupt in a baby’s mouth. Once these teeth appear, start brushing them without using any toothpaste. A baby toothbrush and plain water are sufficient at this stage. Why wouldn’t you use toothpaste at this stage? Our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley CO explains that the ingredients of toothpaste may be very harsh for your young child at this point in their lives. Brush the teeth each morning and night for maximum benefit from this habit.

Know When to Introduce Toothpaste

Toothpaste contains compounds which kill bacteria, fight bad odor and strengthen teeth. It is therefore important for you to introduce toothpaste to the oral care routine of your child as soon as possible. This should happen once your child learns how to spit when instructed. When this milestone is reached, introduce fluoride-free toothpaste and use it to brush your child’s baby teeth.

Instruct the child to spit the toothpaste out. Don’t worry if the baby swallows some of this toothpaste. Fluoride-free toothpaste isn’t harmful when swallowed, so the idea of using it is to get the child used to spitting out all the contents of their mouth as you brush their teeth. Once the child can spit out everything, start using fluoride toothpaste. Use only a pea-sized portion until Dr. Chris Green recommends otherwise.

Introduce Flossing at Age 3

As soon as your child turns 3, introduce him or her to the habit of flossing. This will ensure that the dental plaque forming between teeth is removed together with any food particles. This will keep those areas of the teeth and gums clean even when a toothbrush cannot reach those sections to clean them properly.

Watch Your Child’s Diet

Green Dental Care also recommends that you pay close attention to your child’s diet as a way of supporting good oral health. Limit the intake of sugary and acidic foods. Soda, gummy bears, and citrus fruits and juices should be consumed in moderation to prevent cavities. Remember to brush the child’s teeth each time they consume sticky substances so that oral bacteria doesn’t get a feast. Sugar-free gum can be a good way to extract food remnants from teeth after a meal. Drinking water also helps in this regard.

Take the Child for Their First Dental Visit

Dr. Chris Green recommends that you take your child to Green Dental Care for their first dental visit once they celebrate their first birthday. The pediatric dentist will examine your baby’s teeth and oral structures in order to identify any issues of concern at this point in time. The dentist in Parker, CO will also advise you about what you need to do to enhance the oral care of your child at home. This is also the time for you to ask any questions you may have about taking care of your child’s oral health. The common questions which Dr. Chris Green encounters include questions on what type of toothbrush is ideal for the child, whether the child can use mouthwash as well as concerns about pediatric dental x-rays.

Like any other person, your child also needs to see the dentist every six months for professional dental cleanings and checkups. Schedule these visits accordingly so that any developing issue can be identified and addressed early.

How to Make Oral Care Fun for Your Child

As already mentioned, your kids need to get into the habit of taking proper care of their teeth as early as possible. However, you should not try to reason with your baby as a way of convincing him or her to embrace good dental care habits; the child is too young to appreciate logical arguments at that age! Dr. Green suggests that you instead use other means to make oral care fun for the child so that they participate willingly in the different routines.

The helpful ways to make oral care fun include letting the child select a toothbrush for themselves (such as one in their favorite color or with their favorite cartoon character), selecting their preferred toothpaste flavor, playing their favorite song and telling them to brush until the song comes to an end (this ensures they will brush for at least two minutes) and planning a fun activity after making dental visits.

Remember to contact Dr. Chris Green at Green Dental Care if anything unusual, such as tooth pain or an oral infection, develops in your child. Prompt action will address the issue and prevent your child from losing a tooth at this early stage in their life. Call Green Dental Care anytime you have a question regarding your child’s oral health.