It's not just sugar that causes cavities!

Extensive research over the last two decades has shown that dental decay is a biofilm disease, similar

to other disorders of the GI tract. Biofilms exist from your mouth to your colon. These are bacterial colonies that have both beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria. The harmful bacteria in your mouth

feed on sugars and produce acid waste products that demineralize your enamel structure beginning the decay process.  The reason that these bacteria produce acids is because they thrive in acidic conditions.

Therefore, anything that increases the acidity of your mouth, drives the bad bacteria to multiply causing more damage!  Eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages is JUST AS DECAY CAUSING AS SUGARS!!

Examples of acidic foods and beverages are  juices in excess, tomatoes in excess, all carbonated beverages ( diet sodas are acidic and cause decay from the acids without sugar), excess coffee, tea or red wine, diet beverages like iced teas often have added citric acids as flavorings.  Over the counter MOUTHWASHES  usually have acids added as preservatives, read the labels!!

Acid reflux conditions increase the acidity of your mouth, dry mouth conditions cause increased acidity because saliva naturally buffers the acids. If your habits put you at risk or if you are concerned, we at

NY Smile Spa have a state of the art machine that can test your plaque and actually measure the bad bacteria count assessing your risks. Prescription neutralizing mouthwashes and xylitol gums  (see March 22, 2019 blog on xylitol at www.michaelkrochak.com )can be prescribed that actually can change the bacteria in your mouth and decrease your risks.

For more information, you can contact Dr. Michael Krochak at

drk@nycsmilespa.com

NYC Smile Spa

30 E. 60th St., Rm 1201

New York, NY 10022

(212) 838-2900