Children in the city of London are very vulnerable to tooth decay and it’s important to undertake all precautions possible to allow the teeth to develop healthily into adulthood. One of the best methods to combat the problem is the application of dental sealants. Designed more specifically for children, they are applied to the back teeth of a child, normally when the tooth has just erupted through the gums, to prevent acids and bacteria breaking down the natural enamel of the teeth. The procedure is almost pain free- the teeth will first be cleaned and then a roughing gel will be applied to aid the bonding of the sealant. This is simply brushed over the teeth and then cured with a heat lamp. Considering that most decay occurs on the chewing surface of the teeth, a dental sealant offers the perfect barrier between the tooth’s surface and any bacteria or plaque that may try to develop and once in place you’d hardly know that they are there, as they can be color coded to match the surrounding teeth. The sealant can work up to 5 years, during the all important development of a child’s teeth, offering the perfect protection and doesn’t need any extra care when cleaning- it’s brush and floss as normal.

If you have loss of tooth/teeth structure due to a chemical process, not involving oral bacteria, your most likely have tooth erosion. Acids from your stomach, due to gastroesophageal reflux or vomiting , or acids from food and beverages that you consume to excess, such as citrus fruits and/or acidic beverages, can dissolve the minerals in your hard tooth structure. Clinically, your tooth structure will appear with any of the following if it is eroding. You may notice: 1) wear of non-biting surfaces; 2) amalgam restorations that appear raised out of the tooth; 3) amalgams that appear clean and untarnished; 4) more incisal translucency than normal; 5) cupping of the incisal or occlusal surfaces with probably dentin exposure; 6) broad shiny concavities in the smooth enamel surface; 7) loss of enamel surface characterization in children’s teeth as well as pulp exposure; and tooth hypersensitivity. Visit your London dentist if you recognize any of these signs or symptoms to get dental advice and help with this problems!

London dentists know that an acidic diet, both food and beverages, can demineralise your teeth. The saliva and environment of the mouth has a neutral pH under ordinary circumstances, and if bacteria and plaque are properly removed from the teeth and gum, the minerals in the saliva will help tooth remineralisation. The consumption of acidic foods and beverages, such as grapefruits, lemons, soft drinks, wine and juices, etc., will cause the saliva to fall below a crucial pH level (i.e., pH 5.5) and begin demineralising the teeth. Also, chewing on vitamin C tablets can also help to teeth to demineralise. You must rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after consuming an acidic diet. You should also brush your teeth prior to eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages to remove bacteria and plaque that thrive in acidic environments. It is best to eat neutral or basic foods for your oral health.

Did you know the fact that acidic foods can cause tooth decay? A lot has been written about this subject. The acidic foods such as the acid found in sodas, energy drinks, juices, wine, etc. can all cause wearing off of tooth enamel in turn causing tooth decay.It must seem a bit different to hear, but one should not have acidic foods before going to bed. The major reason for that is the decreased production of saliva during that time, which can cause increased acid exposure.

Another thing, which can help you provide better protection against acid decay is to brush your teeth about half an hour before consuming acidic foods. It should be noted here that you should not brush after having acidic foods.

Therefore it is always best to have acidic foods in moderation and at right times, which can help protect your teeth and obviously your beautiful smile. Take care of yourself as much as you can. Better health to my fellow Londoners.