Have you ever wondered how the substances you are eating or drinking are affecting the health of your teeth? The PH level of battery acid is 1.0 which classifies it as very acidic. You may be surprised at how the acidic levels of the substances you put in your mouth compare. If you would like a more extensive list of sodas and their PH levels you can check out the attached link. Here are a few examples of the PH levels of some popular drinks:
Sports drinks 2.76-3.23 Energy drinks 2.53-3.49
Coke 2.5 Mountain Dew 3.2
Mug Root Beer 4.0 Skim Milk 6.8
Water 7.0(which is a neutral PH level)
Some examples of PH levels in candy are: Sour Skittles 1.5, Laffy Taffy 2.5, and Sweet Tarts 3.0.
At a PH level of 3.75 teeth will begin to decalcify or demineralize. Therefore, food items with a low PH level are more likely to cause the tooth enamel to decalcify. Decalcification or demineralization occurs in the early stages of the formation of tooth decay. Calcium and fluoride can help to reverse some of the effects of decalcification; however, if there is continuous exposure to acidic substances, no amount of calcium or fluoride will be able to prevent the decalcification. The good news is that there are ways to avoid or prevent this decalcification of tooth enamel and here are a few:
1-Avoid or limit low PH level foods and drinks. This includes sodas, wine, citrus fruits, fruit juice, and jellies.
2-If you do eat acidic foods, consume them with a meal. During a large meal you will produce more saliva, which has a protective effect on tooth enamel.
3-Eat and drink high calcium level products. Also, use fluoride toothpaste to help remineralize your teeth.
4-Have regular dental cleanings to evaluate and fix any areas of decalcification to prevent the areas from getting larger and more severe.
Remember you only get one set of teeth so be sure to take care of them!
New incentive program for patients!
We want to say “Thank you” to our wonderful family of patients so Dr. Richard is starting a new reward program this February 2013. When a patient keeps their six month cleaning appointment that was made at the previous cleaning, they will be able to enter their recall card in a monthly drawing for a $30.00 gift card for Amazon! What a great treat to get rewarded for keeping up with good oral hygeine when you come see us for your dental care.
February is Dental Health Month!
Dr. Richard will begin visiting most of the county elementary schools in February to promote good dental health in children. He will be helping to educate the children on the proper way to take care of their teeth including maintaing a proper diet and using proper brushing/ flossing techniques. Dr. Richard’s goal is to help establish good dental habits and to create a positive experience with dental care for the children in Henderson County Schools.
February 1st– Fletcher, Glen Marlow, and Bruce Drysdale.
February 8th– Saluda and Clear Creek.
February 15th– Upward and Sugarloaf.
February 22nd– Atkinson, Mills River, and Hendersonville.
March 8th– Edneyville Elementary
March 22nd– Immaculata
Look for Dr. Richard to be visiting your school soon!
