Did you know that bottled water can actually contribute to tooth decay? Everybody knows that sugar “rots” your teeth… But bottled water? Acid is actually what causes cavities, and acid is a by-product of sugar breaking down in the mouth. So while bottled water may be a sugar-free beverage, its acidity can still damage your…
2February
2015
Did you know that bottled water can actually contribute to tooth decay? Everybody knows that sugar “rots” your teeth… But bottled water? Acid is actually what causes cavities, and acid is a by-product of sugar breaking down in the mouth. So while bottled water may be a sugar-free beverage, its acidity can still damage your teeth! Acid is the means by which the protective enamel on your teeth demineralizes and succumbs to a “cavity.” This often occurs first in hard to clean places like the pits on the top of your back teeth or between your teeth. Don’t floss much? Well then you better listen up! It’s Not Rocket Science- It’s Chemistry! Without taking you on bad trip back to high school chemistry, let’s talk a little bit about the pH scale. Neutral pH is 7 (pH is a measure of a liquid’s acidity at 1-7, and alkalinity at 7-14). Tooth decay begins at a pH of 5.5. Any pH less than 5.5 can be thought of as the “danger zone.” Take a look at the pH of some common beverages on the graphic to the right. That “cup of joe” in the morning is a singular acid attack, but…
6December
2017
What the Bentonville AR Dentists at Bright Ridge Dental Can Do for You Most people will tell you that their general dentist is the one healthcare provider they see more than any other. This is not without good reason; general dentistry is uniquely designed for the prevention of oral diseases. This study reveals that nearly 65% of all dental procedures are either preventative or diagnostic. General dentists place a strong emphasis on hygiene and oral health, which enables patients to avoid the progression of dental ailments. If left unattended, dental diseases ultimately result in extreme pain, downtime from work or school and significant costs each year. General dentistry is primarily concerned with providing routine dental care to people of all ages. For instance, at a routine visit to a Dentist in Bentonville AR, like Bright Ridge Dental, you will undergo a thorough examination of your mouth. This examination includes inspecting your teeth and gums among other oral structures, as well as a discussion about your dental and overall health. If your exam reveals tooth decay, your dentist will probably suggest a filling for the diseased tooth. While these procedures are the most common ones, they are hardly the only services provided by a dentist…
At Bright Ridge Dental, we like to “practice what we preach” with regards to your diet and its impact on your oral health! I have taken great care to make your waiting room beverage experience at our Bentonville dental office congruent with this philosophy. Don’t get me wrong- we still want your experience with us to be refreshing, in more ways than one! But we do NOT serve soda or sweet tea in our waiting room! After reading this article, I think you will understand that sparkling water is a smart, refreshing alternative to soft drinks! Sincerely Yours (in all things refreshing),Dr. Kristian C. Dietz, DDS The following has been adapted from American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy.org: Is Sparkling Water Bad for My Teeth? Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation—including sparkling water—has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form). So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth? According to available research, sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth—and here’s why. In a study using teeth…
