Tooth decay is an infectious microbiologic disease that involves the destruction of the tooth structure after dissolution of the inorganic portion of the tooth, and disintegration of the organic portion of the tooth. There are many factors responsible for causing tooth decay. The bad habits that cause tooth decay are:

  • Frequent snacking: Some people are into the habit of munching on something or the other every now and then. According to many studies over the years, snacking in between meals can be an extremely deleterious habit. The sugar content of the snacks brings down the pH of the oral cavity by production of acids by bacteria. The low pH initiates the demineralization procedure, thereby causing tooth decay.
  • Consumption of carbonated (fizzy) drinks: Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks is extremely harmful for our teeth. These drinks contain artificial sweeteners or sugar, and carbonic acid that decreases the pH of the oral cavity. The initial symptom of demineralization is sensitivity while consuming anything hot or cold. The best way to minimize the problem with carbonated drinks is to avoid direct contact with tooth surface. You can use a straw to sip the juice and direct it to the back of the oral cavity. This way there is minimum contact with the teeth.
  • Going to bed without brushing at night: Brushing twice daily is a habit that most people find difficult to follow. According to many, brushing once in the morning is sufficient for maintaining oral hygiene. At times, people may have things like white wine or any sweet dish, and go directly to bed without even rinsing their mouths thoroughly. This is a recipe for tooth decay.
  • Grinding teeth: Check if you have the habit of grinding teeth while you are asleep. You will probably not know about your habit. If you have headache, pain in the jaw, or tiredness in your cheeks while getting up in the morning, you need to realize that you may have bruxism (the habit of grinding teeth involuntarily). It is better to ask your partner to confirm whether you have the habit or not. Grinding of teeth causes the wearing down of teeth and at times the teeth get fractured due to excessive stress. This damage caused by this habit can be brought under control by the use of bite-guard. These bite-guards are fabricated with the help of dental impressions of the patient. They prevent the tooth surfaces coming  in contact with each other, and hence, wearing down of teeth is prevented.
  • Drinking white wine: Those who are in the habit of drinking white wine should be aware of the fact that white wine increases the rate of demineralization. It is always safer to avoid such drinks and substitute them with other, less acidic drinks.  

Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very  conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.