Your Health For Tag "cavities"

  • There’s no sugarcoating it — sugar damages teeth
    May 4, 2022

    There’s no sugarcoating it — sugar damages teeth

    General oral health

    Bacteria feed on sugar, forming dental plaque that becomes acidic and makes holes in your teeth — in other words, it causes cavities. That plaque can also lead to gum disease and bad breath.

  • Cavities are a big problem for little ones’ teeth
    Jan. 14, 2022

    Cavities are a big problem for little ones’ teeth

    Children’s Oral Health

    Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are one of the most common chronic diseases among children. The good news is that cavities are nearly 100% preventable. Here’s how to keep your young child’s smile healthy from the very start.

  • How much calcium do you need?
    Dec. 20, 2021

    How much calcium do you need?

    General oral health

    Calcium is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth and bones. It strengthens tooth enamel — the hard outer shell — and helps maintain the bone that supports your teeth. Healthy enamel protects your teeth from cavities and erosion. Calcium in your saliva can even help repair damage to teeth caused by acids. However, a lack of calcium can increase your risk for gum disease.

  • Chew on this — sugarless gum can be good for teeth
    Nov. 12, 2021

    Chew on this — sugarless gum can be good for teeth

    General oral health

    Gum sweetened with sugar or corn syrup can contribute to plaque buildup, lead to erosion of your teeth’s enamel and increase your cavity risk. The more often you chew gum with sugar and the longer you chew each time, the more damage it can do.

  • Talking With Kids About the Dangers of Vaping
    Feb. 6, 2020

    Talking With Kids About the Dangers of Vaping

    Children’s Oral Health

    It’s never too early to talk with your kids about the dangers of tobacco, especially given the explosive growth of vaping.

  • What your family history says about your teeth
    Mar. 1, 2019

    What your family history says about your teeth

    General oral health

    Your genetics may provide a window into your risk for oral health issues. Understanding your family history can help you stay prepared to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Your parents probably told you candy causes cavities, but that’s not the only thing that causes them. Risk for cavities is 60 percent due to genetic factors such as preference for sweets, teeth enamel strength and saliva composition, according to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.1 If members of your f