Posts Tagged "tooth decay"

Dentists Recommending Chewing Gum: Too Good to be True?

Posted by Drs. Ali & Ali on Oct 10, 2018 in Blogs | 0 comments

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, which is the perfect time to spread awareness on good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, rinsing, and possibly to your surprise, chewing gum! This may sound alarming because gum, like candy, is known to cause tooth decay. However, chewing sugarless gum after eating can be beneficial to your teeth for many reasons. This is particularly the case when chewing sugar-free gum that is sweetened with the ingredient xylitol.

Start the School Year Off Smiling!

Posted by Drs. Ali & Ali on Aug 31, 2018 in Blogs | 0 comments

As the hot summer days and fun of summer are winding down, Labor Day and the beginning of the new school year are approaching! This is the time of year full of back-to-school shopping, final summer getaways, and lots of errands. But what’s missing from this list? You’re child’s dental appointment!

Am I Using the Right Toothpaste?

Posted by Drs. Ali & Ali on Aug 20, 2018 in Blogs | 0 comments

Do you ever get overwhelmed by the limitless types of toothpaste on the shelves at a store? From natural fluoride-free toothpastes to those that contain fluoride, it can be hard to know which one you should choose. Fluoride is known to play an important a role in preventing cavities and is naturally found within community water sources. So, that leaves the question: Which type of toothpaste should you be using, fluoride-free or fluoride containing toothpaste?

Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth?

Posted by Drs. Ali & Ali on Aug 8, 2018 in Blogs | 0 comments

As sparkling water becomes more popular, there’s one question that comes into play when thinking about your oral health: Is the crisp and refreshing fizz of sparkling water healthy for your teeth? You may be wondering what the issue could be with sparking water, especially since most brands are sugar-free. However, carbonated drinks like sparkling water contain carbon dioxide, which turns into carbonic acid once in the mouth. This lowers the pH level and thus causes the mouth to become a more acidic environment. Some researchers have concerns about whether or not sipping sparkling water could lead to tooth decay due to erosion of the tooth enamel.

Watch out for these fruits that weaken your enamel!

Posted by Drs. Ali & Ali on Apr 7, 2018 in Blogs | 0 comments

Did you know that enamel, the hardest substance in your body, can be weakened over time by eating certain fruits? The FDA lists the 13 most acidic fruits and their pH ranges as:

1. Lemon Juice (2.00 – 2.60)
2. Limes (2.00 – 2.80)
3. Cranberry Juice (2.30 – 2.52)
4. Blue Plums (2.80 – 3.40)
5. Grapes (2.90 – 3.82)
6. Pomegranates (2.93 – 3.20)
7. Grapefruits (3.00 – 3.75)
8. Blueberries (3.12 – 3.33)
9. Pineapples (3.20 – 4.00)
10. Apples (3.33 – 4.00)
11. Peaches (3.30 – 4.05)
12. Mangos (3.40 – 4.80)
13. Oranges (3.69 – 4.34)

If you are experiencing sensitivity, you may want to cut out acidic fruits listed above from your diet as much as possible. You can also use a special toothpaste to decrease sensitivity. Instead of eating these acidic fruits, you can opt for eating less acidic fruits like cantaloupe (6.13-6.58) which have less of an enamel-weakening effect while providing optimal vitamin C levels. Honeydew melons, bananas, and watermelon are also great options. Protecting your enamel from acidic fruits will also lessen your risk of cavities, and help you achieve the perfect smile!

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and their newest addition to the team, Dr. Zarah Ali, if you have any thoughts or concerns. Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist Dr. Van. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other periodontal or oral surgery needs, Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

The caring team at Wellesley Dental Group will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.