Are you currently experiencing a toothache or tooth sensitivity? Does the pain keep you awake without any obvious cause, or do you feel tenderness when eating or drinking anything hot or cold? If you do, it is likely that tooth decay could be one of the reasons.

According to the Global Burden of Disease 2019, tooth decay, also known as “dental caries,” is the most common health condition. It results when acid is produced from plaque, which forms on and attacks the tooth’s surface, which is the enamel. This can then lead to cavities, and if tooth decay is not treated, it can cause infection, pain, and, worse, tooth loss.

That’s why it is important to know the signs or symptoms of tooth decay and when to see a dentist if you’re experiencing any of them.

What Causes Tooth Decay, and Who Is at Risk?

Several factors combine to cause tooth decay. When your tooth is consistently exposed to acid or when you frequently eat foods or drink beverages that are high in sugar and starches, your enamel starts to lose minerals. When this happens, you may notice a white spot on one of your teeth, which is an early sign of tooth decay.

Tooth decay can affect anyone, but some people have a higher risk of getting it, including the following:

• Babies and toddlers frequently drink from bottles, as this exposes their teeth to sugars for long periods of time.
• Older adults who have receding gums. As you age, the risk of tooth decay increases, as the protective enamel layer of your teeth wears down over time.
• People who don’t get enough fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel and prevent tooth decay, and a lack of it in your diet or water supply can increase the risk of tooth decay.
• People who have dry mouths or don’t have enough saliva. Having a dry mouth due to medical conditions or medications can increase the risk of tooth decay, as saliva plays an essential role in neutralizing acid and washing away food particles from your mouth.
• People who have poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles and bacteria are left in your mouth, resulting in the development of tooth decay.

What Are Some Signs of Tooth Decay?

The signs and symptoms of tooth decay vary. When it is still in its early stages, you may not have any symptoms at all. But as it gets worse, it may cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Bad breath
• Toothache
• Swollen face
• Pain from biting
• Tooth sensitivity
• Gum problems, including red and swollen gums
• Pain when drinking or eating anything sweet, cold, or hot
• Discoloration, such as black, brown, or white stains on the surface of the tooth

You may have tooth decay with or without these symptoms. That’s why it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

Get the Best Dental Care You Deserve

It is important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings to take care of your dental health. And here at Rayburn Dental in North Battleford, SK, we’ll bring you the best dental care. Contact us today to learn more about us and our services.

Is it Possible to Cut Back on Sugar and Not Miss It? 

This can be easier said than done, especially if eating sugary foods has become a daily habit. But if you’re eager to keep your smile in good condition, the sooner you take action, the better.

Sugars present themselves in different ways. When you scan product labels, they can appear as sucrose, fruit juice, fructose, glucose, and honey, among many others. 

Check the labels to monitor your sugar consumption. Added sugars can be unnecessary and unhealthy, not only for your teeth, but for your general health as well.

What Do Added Sugars Do to Your Teeth?

Several events occur after consuming sugar. First, sugars attract bad bacteria. Harmful bacteria digest them and produce acids that attack the enamel.

The more sugar you consume, the more food your mouth is producing for bad bacteria. As bad bacteria multiply and spread, and acid levels rise, your risk of developing gum disease and cavities also increases.

Good dental hygiene habits are crucial to keeping sugars from lingering on the surfaces of teeth and serving as food for bad bacteria.

Tips for Reducing Sugar Intake

Reaching for dessert once in a while shouldn't be harmful. There are ways to reduce sugar intake and care for your oral health. Here are some tips you might want to consider:

1. Say no to carbonated beverages. Minimize or avoid the intake of fizzy beverages, such as sodas. Switch to water instead to reduce your sugar consumption. Water is healthy for teeth. It helps stimulate saliva production, neutralize acid levels, and dislodge food deposits.
   
2. Refrain from using table sugar. Do you add table sugar or refined white sugar to your drinks or recipes? Try to halve the sugar in your coffee, tea, cereal, pancakes, or any food you prepare. Once used to this decreased amount, you might not even notice the difference! Then, you can start reducing your sugar intake even further.
   
3. Go for fresh fruits. Instead of settling for canned or dried fruits, pick fresh fruits instead. And add sliced fresh fruits to your cereal or oatmeal instead of canned or dried options. If you need canned fruits, drain the syrup to reduce excess sugar.

4. Cut back on the serving size. If you’re into baking or cooking, minimize the amount of sugar in your recipe by half or try alternatives such as vanilla or almond extracts. These substitutes are less processed, offer stronger flavors, and can be healthier too.

5. Avoid sugary treats. Limit your sugary treats, such as donuts, cakes, and pies. Pick healthier choices, such as dark chocolate and fresh fruits. You don’t have to get rid of desserts altogether. Instead, limit your consumption, avoid grazing throughout the day, and maintain good oral hygiene habits.
   
6. Don’t store sugary treats. Avoid shopping for and storing sugary treats in bulk. Keep them out of sight so you can keep them out of mind. Avoid reaching for them when cravings kick in. Eat a filling, balanced diet to keep yourself full until the next meal.

7. Skip sticky foods. Minimize consumption of sticky foods, such as hard candies, lollipops, and chips. These treats are chewed for a long time and stay in the mouth for an extended period. They buy time for bad bacteria to feed on sugars and produce acids.

See how your sweet tooth is affecting your smile, book a dental visit in North Battleford, SK, today.

How long has it been since your last dental visit? Is your sweet tooth making you worry about your oral health, or do you notice signs of cavities forming in your teeth?

If you need to see the dentist in North Battleford, SK, get in touch with us at Rayburn Dental. 

Let’s set up a dental appointment for you. Receive professional advice on reducing sugar intake and protecting your oral health.

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