DeSalvo Dental Englewood New Jersey

If you are looking for a dentist in Englewood to answer your questions about a mouth-healthy diet, give us a call. We will be happy to sit down with you and discuss what people should and should not eat to prevent cavities. Very often, these conversations involve debunking popular myths about what is good for your teeth. For example, many people believe that milk is good for the teeth because of the calcium in it. While this is true, milk also contains a lot of sugar, so it is important to brush teeth after drinking it. Sending a child to bed with a glass of milk, therefore, is not wise if you want to prevent cavities.

Here are a few other myths we hear regarding what food is good for your teeth.

Myth – Raw diets are good for your teeth.

Raw diets are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. They are beneficial in that they tend to contain organic fruits and vegetables that are full of nutrients. If you are looking for a dentist to discuss dietary plans, keep in mind that we will also give you warnings when applicable. A raw diet tends to be highly acidic, and acid is terrible for your teeth. It can lead to erosion and make your teeth more sensitive. If you decide to embark on a raw diet, be sure to rinse your mouth after eating and drinking and brush your teeth three times per day with a fluoride toothpaste, which can help to remineralize them.

Myth – Diet soda is okay for your teeth.

This myth can be particularly problematic because it has led people to drink more diet soda than they would otherwise. Soda of all kinds is bad for your teeth because it is acidic. Just like you need to be careful with a raw diet, you must also be careful with diet soda. Limit your intake, rinse or brush after drinking it, and be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste. If you need a dentist in Englewood to suggest a healthier alternative, schedule an appointment with our dental office.

Myth – Root canals are only necessary when you have an infected tooth or cavity.

While this is the most common reason for a root canal, we also perform them when a root has become damaged; things like grinding teeth at night, getting in an accident, or having dental work in quick succession can all lead to root damage and create the need for this procedure. We can complete it quickly and efficiently, without causing you discomfort.

Myth – Only older people get oral cancer.

We recommend that adults of all ages receive regular oral cancer screenings since it can impact anyone. While men over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk, the HPV virus can sometimes cause oral cancer. Many young adults are diagnosed with this, and if you are one of them, you need to receive an annual screening.