Get oral care for the whole family under one roof in Brentwood

For some, the dentist is the person to visit when a tooth hurts or when you want to brighten your smile with cosmetic treatment. The goal of dentistry, however, is to prevent problems such as cavities and gum disease. Your dentist wants to help you, and your family, avoid experiencing discomfort from dental problems by providing gentle preventive care. An important part of our family dental practice is teaching patients the oral care habits that will sustain their best oral health. In our Brentwood office, your smile is in good hands.

Professional dental care, for most people, includes only twice-a-year examinations and cleanings. In the time between check-ups, a lot can happen if successful oral hygiene habits are not instituted. Just like our bodies are fueled or depleted by what we eat and drink, so are our teeth. Our dietary habits are as important to our oral health as brushing and flossing on a daily basis. In fact, recent studies show that the beverages we are consuming today pose great risk to our teeth.

When we think of keeping our teeth healthy through wise dietary choices, we often assume that cutting back on sugary foods and drinks is most important. There is another culprit to be aware of – acid. Many carbonated beverages contain some sort of acid, so even if sugar is replaced with a substitute, teeth are still at risk of erosion. Like sugar, acid lingers on enamel long after a treat has been enjoyed. This substance quickly breaks down the enamel, which is necessary to protect the tooth's interior from damage.

How healthy is that drink?

In recent years, markets have been flooded with new beverage options, such as sports drinks and energy drinks. Some believe these to be less dangerous than soda due to lower sugar content; however, the acid content in such beverages is significant enough to cause concern.

A report found in General Dentistry shows that the acid content in sports drinks is high enough to result in recordable erosion within just five days of daily consumption. This same study also reported that the rate of erosion caused by energy drinks is up to twice that of sports drinks in the same amount of time.

It may seem as though oral care is primarily brushing, flossing, and maintaining regular check-ups. What you feed your body daily, however, also plays a role in the degree of oral health you enjoy. Give your family the benefit of compassionate, gentle dental care. Contact Brentwood Family Dental for your visit with Dr. Alkhoury.

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