Although sugar is bad for your teeth it is not the only villain that undermines healthy teeth. Acidic, low-pH foods such as sour candy, soft drinks, and fruit juices will also soften teeth.  Too much of these types of food can result in enamel erosion and diminished tooth size.  

Dentist warn to stay away from ultra-sour, ultra-sticky, ultra-sugary candies such as Warheads and Toxic Waste.  However even sour gummy vitamins can be culprits.  It is suggested that if you are going to consume highly acidic foods, do it during mealtime to help minimize the effects by consuming them along with other foods.

Does baking soda help to whiten your teeth?  I can not use over the counter whiten strips because I have braces but can baking soda help? 

Reply:  Baking soda can help to white your teeth however you should not use baking soda to whiten your teeth when you have braces. Baking soda is believed to erode orthodontic glue and fasteners. Before trying to whiten your teeth talk to your orthodontic dentist first to make sure you do not damage your braces.

Have a dental appointment for a root canal. However I am not sure that it would be best to have a root canal or just pull the tooth. What is best in the long run?

Reply: Normally when a dentist can save a tooth with a root canal they do not suggest pulling it. You want to keep your teeth whenever possible. However if you choose to pull the tooth then you will need to think about what you are going to do afterwords. Such as are you going to leave a gap, get a bridge or dental implant. If you leave the space empty it can cause your other teeth to shift over time. If you go with a dental bridge then you are having to crown the two teeth on either side of the gab to make a bridge and bridges do not always last a life time. Dental implants are more costly but they do last a life time with proper dental care habits. Talk over your options with your dentist and see which one you feel is right for you

Cranberry juice has been hailed as a healthy beverage choice, but it also appears to stop the bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease, according to preliminary research from the University of Rochester. In one study, two doses of a beverage with 25 percent cranberry juice stopped bacteria from clinging by as much as 85 percent.

Seniors may experience the problem of gums moving back from the teeth which exposes  tooth roots to plaque. This can result in teeth that are sensitive to temperature and are more at risk of decay.  However a dentist can help you address any receding gum issues.

According to the ADA (American Dental Association) sugar in soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks can lead to tooth decay. Acid is produced each time sugar comes in contact with the bacteria in your mouth. This acid eats away at your teeth for about 20 minutes after yo u take a sip and this acid can result in cavities. Unfortunately, diet soft drinks and carbonated water are not any better.

The ADA says that most soft drinks also contain phosphoric and citric acid, which can cause tooth erosion. To improve your dental health, you should try to limit your soft drink consumption and instead snack on nutritious foods. Other dental health tips include making sure you brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist regularly for a check-up.

Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay. If your main source of drinking water is bottled water, you may be missing out on the decay preventing benefits of fluoride. This  according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Most bottled waters do not contain optimal levels of fluoride and some do not contain any at all. If you just prefer drinking bottled water, consider using tap water in other ways, such as when preparing meals and for mixing juices and powdered drinks.

Your teeth are more important to your overall health than you might think. In prior post we talked about tooth loss. By losing your teeth, you not only look unhealthy, but tooth loss may be a warning sign of a serious health problem. Identifying dental and overall health issues early gives you a greater chance to recover quickly and prevent future complications. Even if you are engaged in bad oral hygiene habits in the past, you can make a fresh start today and prevent further damage to your teeth.