Oral Cancer

                                         ORAL CANCER

 

Oral cancer is a cancer that occurs in any part of the mouth; on the tongue's surface, in the lips, inside the cheek, in the gums, in the roof and floor of the mouth, in the tonsils, and also the salivary glands.

Signs and Symptoms

Early stages of oral cancer does not show much detectable symptoms.. Smokers and heavy drinkers are more prone to have oral cancer. Most commonly seen signs and symptoms are:

• Red or white patches on the mouth or tongue.
• Mouth ulcers and mouth sores.
• Painful tongue
• Jaw pain and stiffness.
• Sore throat.
• A swelling in the mouth that persists for over three weeks. 
• Pain when swallowing.
• Loose teeth.
• Irritating sensation in the throat.
• A hoarse voice.
• Pain in the neck.

Risk factors for mouth cancer

. The risk factors for mouth cancer include:

• Smoking

• Tobacco(chewing and smoking).

• Heavy alcohol consumption  

• Diet -red meat and junk foods are the main cause of oral cancer.

• Radiotherapy in the head and/or neck area. .

• Exposure to certain chemicals - especially asbestos, sulphuric acid and formaldehyde.

• Sun exposure on the lips

• HPV(human papilloma virus) infection

Diagnosis:

• Biopsy - Under anesthetic sample of tissues is collected from the mouth to see if there are cancerous cells.

Tests for staging:

• Endoscopy - A lighted scope is lowered down the patient's throat to see whether the cancer has spread beyond the mouth.

• Imaging tests like:
• X-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) scans
• PET (positron emission tomography) scans

 

 Stages of cancer of the lip and oral cavity

Staging the cancer (identifying its stage) provides a universally understood definition of a particular cancer's progress. It helps in the planning of treatment protocol for that particular cancer, helps in determining prognosis (predicting likely outcomes), and also allows accurate end-results reporting.

• Stage I - the tumor is below 2cm in diameter and has not reached nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage II - the tumor is between 2cm and 4cm in diameter and has not reached nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage III - The tumor is above 4 cm in diameter and has spread to the nearby lymph nodes on the same side of the neck.

• Stage IV - The cancer has spread to 2 or more lymph nodes either on the same side of the neck or to the opposite side of the neck. Sometimes the cancer may also spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on position and stage of the cancer as well as the patient's general health and personal preferences.

Surgery  include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor
• Surgical removal of cancer that spread to the neck - mouth cancer tends to spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. The surgeon may perform a neck dissection - cancerous lymph nodes and related tissue in the neck are surgically removed.
• Mouth reconstruction - Surgeons may transplant grafts of skin, muscle or bone form other parts of the body to reconstruct the face if there is a change in the appearance or patient’s ability to talk during the surgery.
• Radiotherapy (radiation therapy) - It involves the use of beams of high-energy X-rays or particles (radiation) to destroy cancer cells.
• Internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) - often used to treat patients with early stages of cancer of the tongue.
  
  Radiation therapy applied to the mouth may have the following side effects:

-Tooth decay

-Mouth sores

-Bleeding gums

-Jaw stiffness

-Fatigue

-Skin reactions (similar to burns)

• Chemotherapy – used in advanced stages of oral cancer.

Chemotherapy involves using powerful medicines that kill cancer; they damage the DNA of the cancer cells, undermining their ability to reproduce. Chemotherapy medications can sometimes damage healthy tissue, and patients may experience the following side-effects:

-Fatigue

-Vomiting

-Nausea

-Hair loss

-Weakened immune system (higher vulnerability to infection)

Side effects are temporary.

• Medication using monoclonal antibodies - this involves drugs that change aspects of cancer cells that help them grow. Cetuximab (Ebitux) is used for some head and neck cancers - it stops the action of a protein found in many kinds of healthy cells, but is more prevalent in the surface some cancer cells. The protein is called epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR).

Cetuximab may have the following mild side effects:

-Nausea

-Diarrhoea

-Breathlessness

-Inflammation of the eyes

Complications of oral (mouth) cancer

• Difficulty swallowing
• Speaking problems
• Depression. 

Prevention

Oral cancer is sometimes associated with known risk factors for the disease. Many risk factors can be modified but not all can be avoided.

• Tobacco and alcohol use: Tobacco use (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco) is responsible for most cases of oral cancer. Alcohol, particularly beer and hard liquor, are associated with an increased risk of developing oral cancer. The risk of developing oral cancer is higher in people who use both tobacco and alcohol. Avoiding or stopping the use of tobacco decreases the risk of oral cancer.


• Sun exposure: Exposure to sunlight may increase the risk of lip cancer, which occurs most often on the lower lip. Avoiding the sun and/or using a sunscreenor colored lipstick on the lips may decrease the risk of lip cancer.


• Other factors: Some studies suggest that being infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) may increase the risk of oral cancer.


• Chemoprevention: Chemoprevention is the use of drugs, vitamins, or other agents to prevent or delay the growth of cancer or to keep it from coming back. Tobacco users who have had oral cancer often develop second cancers in the oral cavity or nearby areas, including the nose, throat, vocal cords, esophagus, and windpipe. Studies of chemoprevention in oral cancer are under way, including chemoprevention of leukoplakia and erythroplakia.

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does phytic acid affect remineralization of teeth

 

does phytic acid affect remineralization of teeth

Does phytic acid affect remineralization of teeth

Studies have shown that phytic acid reduces the absorption of many essential minerals involving calcium, magnesium, iron etc. calcium is an essential mineral for remineralization of teeth

Food rich in phytic acid

Mainly grains, beans, soy beans, edamame, coconut flour, corn

Remedies to reduce phytic acid in your diet

Grain

Grains have the highest phytic acid content. The phytic acid in grains can be reduced by eating grains after soaking or sprouting them. Bake them using long rise time and good pH content

Beans

Beans can also be soaked

Corn

It is difficult to reduce phytic acid in corn

How to sprout

Soak the grains overnight, drain and place them in a container with cheese cloth cover. In 2 days they will give out small tails and sprouts


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can egg white cause tooth decay

Can egg white cause tooth decay

There  is a relationship between the quality of protein  eaten and tooth decay

Eating lots of egg whites without yolk can cause tooth sensitivity, it is ok if you take naturally raised chicken eggs. The problem is due to intake of non organic factory farmed eggs that are irradiated

Egg white is one of the hardest substance to digest. Avoiding or limiting intake of egg whites is good for your teeth as well as your digestive system

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Is cheese good for your teeth

Is cheese good for your teeth

We know that from an early age  we are encouraged to drink milk for strong bones and teeth

   It holds good for other milk products also –yogurt,cheese etc

All products of milk are rich in calcium and protein. Calcium is an essential mineral for the remineralization of teeth

Uses of cheese in increasing calcium

1. Eating cheese results in a coating of calcium on the teeth it protects from dental caries
2. Cheese increases plaque calcium concentration by about 112% helping to harden tooth
3. Cheese prevents demineralization  and promotes remineralization of teeth
4. Eating cheese reduces incidence of cavities
5. Eating cheese helps in maintaining the ideal ph for tooth (when food is taken the pH of the mouth falls,this acidic pH is damaging for the teeth)

Cheese facts

1. Cheese should be stored below 4 degree Celsius
2. Hard cheese have more shelf life than soft cheese
3. Processed cheese is a combination of natural cheeses and emulsifying agents
4. Many cheese has no LACTOSE and can be eaten by lactose intolerants
5. Aged cheese have lesser lactose content

Practice using more cheese in your cooked food.try to eat more raw cheese for a healthy teeth

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DOES SMOKING AFFECT YOUR TEETH???

                    DOES SMOKING AFFECT YOUR TEETH???

Most of us are aware of the fact that smoking is hazardous to health. But many do not know that smoking is also a major contributor for many dental problems.

Cigarettes aren’t  to be blamed alone. All forms of tobacco, including cigars, smokeless tobacco and hookah water pipes, pose a major dental health concern.

Poisonous Chemicals in Tobacco

Smoking products contain numerous poisonous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, tar and nicotine. When you light a cigarette, these poisons start burning, which makes them more dangerous. The smoke passes through the smoker’s mouth, and leaves behind a sticky residue on their teeth. In fact, just one puff is enough to deposit stains on your teeth.

EFFECTS:

Some of the effects of smoking on dental health:

• Smoking increases the risk for oral cancer.
• Nicotine and tar, the major ingredients of cigarette stains the teeth. Sticky tar gets deposited on the teeth which can’t be removed by brushing.
• Smoking decolorizes teeth by reducing the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva cleanses the lining of the mouth and teeth and protects the teeth from getting decayed.
• Causes tooth inflammation.
• Smoking causes chronic bad breath and loss of teeth.
• Increases the risk of tooth decay and cause hot/cold sensitivity by damaging the gum tissue.
• Smoking delays healing after infections and oral surgery procedures. It reduces blood flow and supply of vital nutrients(vitamin C) to the gums. Thus delays healing.

COMPLICATIONS:

1.Gum Diseases and Loss of Teeth

Smoking affects the immune system of the body. It weakens the capability of the body to fight against infections. Gum diseases are manifested by swelling gums. Gum diseases lessen the formation of strong teeth and augment the problem of loss of teeth.

2.Plaque

Bacteria get accumulated in plaque due to smoking. These bacteria grow within the gum area and cause inflamed gums. The bacteria also affect the jaw. This eventually speeds up the loss of teeth.

3.Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease occurs when the soft tissue and bone that anchor the jawbones are destroyed due to bacterial infection.

How to protect your teeth?

• Quit smoking. Without giving up smoking, any kind of treatment for the dental problems will go in vain.
• Proper dental hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing.
• Professional cleaning techniques like scaling and polishing helps in the removal of the stains.
• Drinking at least 10 glasses of water helps in flossing away the toxins.

Teeth loss can impact your life to a great extent. Along with your confidence, your appearance and lifestyle will also be affected. Hence, quit smoking and enjoy the smooth and fresh feeling of clean teeth.

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Does Chewing Gum Make Health Problems?

Does Chewing Gum Make Health Problems?

Latest studies have proved that excessive chewing gum use cause some health problems. Chewing gum also does some favours. It helps in the production of saliva and its buffering action.

Some of the health problems caused by excessive chewing gum are listed below:

• Damage to dental appliances: The damage to the dental appliances only occur due to the continuous chewing and if it is not specially formulated variety. The continuous chewing cause damage to the crowns, fillings and orthodontia
• Gas: Have you ever notice that you swallow saliva during chewing gum. The swallowing of saliva leads to gas formation.
• Some sweeteners can aggravate IBS: The common artificial sweeteners that are used in the manufacture of chewing gum are sorbitol and aspartate. Excess sorbitol intake leads to irritable bowel syndrome and some intestinal problems. Excess aspartate intake leads to diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders and birth defects
• The temporomandibular joint problems: There was a study regarding this topic. About 65%  of the surgeons stated that excess chewing results TMJ concerns, muscle fatigue and joint pain
• Increases bad breath: Chewing results formation of spike levels of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) which cause bad breath.
• Chronic headaches: Increased chewing leads to muscle strain and exert pressure on surrounding nerves. The compression of nerves results chronic intermittent headaches.
• Cinnamon flavouring and mouth sores: Some chewing gum contains traces of cinnamon. Excess cinnamon use results mouth irritation. It also aggravate existing mouth sores.
• Complications in increased mercury level: Continuous chewing for 5 hours or more leads to release of mercury from amalgum fillings. This will increase level of mercury in blood and urine which is toxic to the body.

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Close Teeth Gap Permanently

• The term teeth gap is most commonly applied to an open space between the upper front teeth. You might have gaps between other teeth as well. It occurs when there is an unequal relationship between the size of the teeth and the jaw.

• Teeth gap can be natural or can also be result of an injury. Teeth gap in front teeth are caused or exacerbated gaps. It can be a solution to fix teeth gap without braces and you can use them at home without visiting a dental office. They are also called Teeth gap bands or Dental bands.

• These Dental bands have been used the perfect solutions for teeth gap closing by the action of a tissue connecting the lip to the gum. It is caused by recession of the gums or by tongue thrusting, which can push the teeth apart. It is imperative to close this gap as a tooth gap can cause tooth misalignment. A large tooth gap between the front teeth could leave insufficient room and give an odd appearance. This can also cause tooth displacement and problems with the eating.

• Teeth gap can be closed with Bonding (white fillings), porcelain veneers, braces and Teeth Effect Bands.

• The most common solution to erase this teeth gap is to opt for the help of braces. Not everyone prefers braces as they are visible and can affect their appearance. 

• The concept of using the dental bands is simple, progressive and serves to shape your teeth in the desired position without causing any inconvenience. It is similar to the orthodontic braces, but works in a more discreet manner. It is not very time consuming and can be undertaken faster than other processes. Wearing the specially developed dentabands, your teeth are systematically drawn in proximity for a period of a couple of days. It gradually reduces the teeth gap within that time. It is the most effective treatment to fix teeth gap. This treatment is, however, not for children under 15 and people with delicate or crooked teeth.

• To know more about this treatment, you can surf on internet. There are many websites that provide information about this effective treatment. The services also offer these treatments at very cheap prices.

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Oral Ulcers

ORAL ULCERS

A mouth ulcer is the loss or erosion of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth (mucous membrane). Some of the causes include certain drugs, chemicals and infectious diseases such as herpes or thrush. The most common cause is mechanical injury, such as accidentally biting your cheek.

In most cases, mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve by themselves in a few days without the need for medical treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary and depend on the specific cause of the mouth ulcer. In general, symptoms may include:

• Open sores in the mouth

• Pain or discomfort in the mouth

• Swollen skin around the sores

• Problems with chewing or toothbrushing because of the tenderness

• Irritation of the sores by salty, spicy or sour foods

• Loss of appetite

Causes:

1. SMOKING

Smoking which is the most common cause for almost all the dental problems also accounts to be the main factor in causing oral ulcer.

2.INFECTION

Oral ulcers are caused by bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

Bacterial processes leading to ulceration can be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis(tuberculosis) and Treponema pallidum (syphilis).Other bacterial flora like streptococi, Neisseria, Actinomyces, spirochetes, and Bacteroides species can prolong the ulcerative process.

Coccidioides immitis causing valley fever, Cryptococcus neoformans causing cryptococcosis, are some of the fungal processes causing oral ulceration.

Mouth ulcers are often caused by protozoans like Entamoeba histolytica.

HIV creates immunodeficiencies which allow opportunistic infections or neoplasms to proliferate

3. PHYSICAL INJURIES

• Accidental biting by sharp edge of a tooth  

• Excessively salty food,and hot drinks

• Poorly fitting dentures or trauma from a toothbrush

These may injure the inner lining of the mouth resulting in an ulcer.Healing of the ulcer depends on the removal of source of injury.

4.CHEMICAL INJURIES

Chemicals such as aspirin or alcohol come in with the oral mucosa causes necrosis of the tissues resulting in the formation of ulcer. 

5. DIET

 Deficiencies of iron,vitamin C(scurvy),vitamin B12,zinc can contribute to ulcer formation.

 Citrus fruits like orange may cause mouth ulcers.

6.IMMUNITY

Immune system:Aphthous ulcers as a common end product of many different disease processes, each of which is mediated by the immune system.

Immunodeficiency:Low levels of immunoglobulins in the oral mucous membranes causes mouth ulcers.

Oral ulcers are common in conditions of immunodeficiency like chemotherapy and HIV.

Autoimmunity: Mucous membrane pemphigoid is an autoimmune reaction to the oral epithelium causing ulceration of the oral mucosa.

7. ALLERGENS

Allergens such as amalgam can cause mouth ulcers.

Complications

• Tooth abscesses

• Oral cancer

• Spread of contagious disorders to other people

Treatment

 Adequate oral hygiene  is the key point in treatment of oral ulcers.

 Topical antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, meant to soothe painful ulcers may be helpful, as may be oral analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and local anesthetics,mouth rinses etc.

Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers.

Prevention

Good oral hygiene may help prevent some types of mouth ulcers, as well as some complications from mouth ulcers. Good oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth at least twice per day, flossing at least daily, and getting regular professional dental cleanings and examinations.

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Immediate effects of food on teeth

• There are long-term and immediate effects of food on teeth. Here we are discussing about immediate effects of food on teeth.Changes begin in your mouth the minute you start to eat certain foods. Bacteria in your mouth make dental plaque become more acidic, and the acid starts the process that can lead to cavities.
• All carbohydrate foods eventually break down into simple sugars: glucose, fructose, maltose and lactose. Some foods, called fermentable carbohydrates, break down in the mouth, whereas others don't break down until they move further down the digestive tract.
• It is the fermentable carbohydrates that work with bacteria to begin the decay process and eventually destroy teeth. They include the obvious sugary foods, such as cookies, cakes, soft drinks and candy, but they also include less obvious food, such as bread, crackers, bananas and breakfast cereals.
• Certain bacteria on your teeth use the sugars from these foods and produce acids. These acids dissolve minerals inside the tooth enamel in a process called demineralization. Teeth also regain minerals in a natural process called remineralization. Saliva helps this process, as does fluoride and some foods.

• Dental decay begins inside the tooth enamel when minerals are being lost faster than they are being regained.
• The longer food stays near the bacteria on the tooth, the more acids will be produced. So sticky carbohydrates, such as raisins, can do more acid damage. But other foods that pack into crevices can also cause decay. Potato chips are a terrific example. Eat a handful of chips and see how long you have to work to get all the stuck bits out from between your teeth. Teeth with a lot of nooks and crannies, such as molars, are more likely to trap food and are more susceptible to decay.
• People who sip soft drinks or sweetened coffee throughout the day or who eat many small sweet or carbohydrate snacks provide a sugar source for the bacteria to produce acid almost constantly. And because acid damage is cumulative, decay is more likely.
• On the brighter side, some foods actually help to protect teeth from decay because they increase saliva flow and neutralize the acids produced by bacteria, making the enamel less likely to be demineralized. For example, aged cheese eaten immediately after other food helps buffer the acid. That's another reason why eating sweets between meals causes more cavities. Between-meal snackers not only have an overall longer period when their teeth are exposed to acid, they don't eat other foods with the snack to moderate the effects of the sugar.

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      YELLOWING OF TEETH: CAUSES AND                            PREVENTION

While many individuals have very light or whiter shades in their teeth, others have a naturally occurring yellowish tint to their teeth. You will be pleased to know that aside from costly teeth whitening procedures, there are other steps you can take to get (and keep) those gorgeous teeth you have always dreamed of.

 Reasons for this change include:

1.Hereditary conditions

2.Illness (eg..hyperbilirubinemia)

3.Excessive intake of fluoride

4.Certain medication ingested before eight years of age.

5.Trauma

 6.Sometimes root-canal procedure.

7.Extrinisic stains involve a color change either directly on the enamel, or through cracks and fissures on the tooth surface. Stains can be caused by the following:

•       Acidic foods and drinks

•       Tobacco smoking or chewing

•      Poor dental hygiene leading to the formation of tartar and plaque, which in turn makes it easier for stains to accumulate from foods, drinks or tobacco

• Iron supplements

• Dental materials

•   Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride

•     Medications that may include antihistamines, antipsychotics, and those used to control high blood pressure

•  Excessive intake of fluoride

FOODS TO BE AVOIDED:

Following foods are known to cause our teeth to yellow faster:

• Coffee and Tea
• Red Wine
• Berries
• Curries
• Soft Drinks
  
  

REMEDIES:

You have some happy news. Although these foods can damage our teeth, it is not necessary to completely avoid them. Here are some tips to be followed for a brighter smile:

• Cool off hot beverages before drinking

Cooling prevents the micro fractures on your tooth's surface and minimize the damage caused by the dark liquid.

• Rinse your mouth immediately after food

It is not of much help but reduces the damage that is caused by foods like coffee, red wine, curries.

•    Use a straw while drinking soft drinks

Using a straw will prevent exposure of the drink to the teeth. Make sure you also rinse your mouth with water after drinking a sugary drink.

PREVENTION:

Regular brushing and flossing is the key point in prevention as they help to remove the build up of staining foods or drinks. Also avoid as many of the extrinsic causes of stains as possible.  Dental professionals have many options available, including bleaching and/or non-bleaching agents, as well as bonding and veneers.

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TOP 8 DENTAL PROBLEMS

                     TOP 8 DENTAL PROBLEMS

Dental problems are a result of modern day lifestyle.They are never any fun, but the good news is that most of them can be easily prevented. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating properly and regular dental check ups are essential in preventing dental problems.

1. TOOTH ACHE

It is a really worse condition which you could have experienced at least once in your lifetime. It is an aching pain in or around a tooth. Toothaches are mainly caused by tooth problems, such as a dental cavity, a cracked tooth, an exposed tooth root, or gum disease.

2.BAD BREATH

Bad breath is the most disturbing tooth problem. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath. It can be brought under control by regular brushing and flossing and use of fluoride containing mouthwashes.

2. TOOTH DECAY

Tooth decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars  of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

3.GUM DISEASE(PERIODONTITIS)

 Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth. All periodontal diseases is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth. 

Untreated periodontitis will eventually result in tooth loss, and may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and other health problems. Bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless membrane that develops over the surface of teeth, is the most common cause of periodontal disease.
 

4.ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer is a serious and deadly disease that affects millions of people.Tobacco use is the number one risk factor in oral cancer. This serious dental disease, which pertains to the mouth, lips or throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Prevention is a key factor in oral cancer 

5.MOUTH SORES

Common mouth sores are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores, ulcers and thrush. There are several different types of mouth sores and they can be pesky and bothersome. You should only worry when your  mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks.

6.TOOTH EROSION

Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure. Tooth erosion signs and symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking.It is caused by acidic foods and drinks 'dissolving' away the surface of the tooth. It is becoming increasingly more common, especially due to greater consumption of fizzy drinks - including 'diet' brands. You should try and avoid snacking between meals.Try and avoid consuming acidic food and / or drink too often during the day. Try to have them only at mealtimes.

7. TOOTH SENSITIVITY

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. Basically, tooth sensitivity means experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. Some people with sensitive teeth even experience discomfort from brushing and flossing. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated. 

8.UNATTRACTIVE SMILE

While an unattractive smile is not technically a "dental problem," it is considered a dental problem by people who are unhappy with their smile and it's also a major reason that many patients seek dental treatment. An unattractive smile can really lower a person's self-esteem. With today's technologies and developments, anyone can have a beautiful smile.

Tips on Reversing Tooth Decay

Here are some tips on reversing tooth decay.The good news is these de-calcified areas can be re-mineralized. Re-mineralization does not happen overnight. It normally takes two to four months before you notice improvement, depending on how diligent you are in your daily care. For the white spot to completely reverse, it may take up to 12 months. Below are some tips to help re-mineralize your teeth:

1. Correct your diet. Stay away or minimize high acid content foods and drinks such as:
Carbonated sodas like Coke, Pepsi, etc. Some of these beverages not only are high in sugar, but also phosphoric acid, which is used by dentists to acid etch teeth before filling them.

• Sports drinks.
• Acidifying grains such as: white flour, rice, wheat, wheat germ and cornstarch.
• Acid producing animal protein such as red meat, shrimp and oysters.
• Sugar and high fructose corn syrup.
• Beverages such as orange juice, apple cider and lemonade.
• Cheese.

2. Minimize dry mouth. The drier the mouth, the more likely you are to have tooth damage by acid.

• Saliva is extremely important for the health of the teeth and supporting tissues. It prevents infection by maintaining a neutral pH of the mouth, therefore helping to protect against acid attack by harmful bacteria.
• Dry mouth can be caused by certain prescription and nonprescription medications for treatment of depression, pain, allergies, and many others.
• Dry mouth can also be due to certain medical conditions such as HIV/ AIDS, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, stroke, Sjorgren’s syndrome, fibromyalgia and others.
• Tobacco products can effect saliva production and cause dry mouth.
• Mouth breathing is another way to cause dry mouth.

3. Practice excellent home hygiene care.

• Tooth enamel has no nutrients goings through it, similar to your nails. It’s mostly (96 percent) made of minerals. This layer is only 2–3 mm in thickness. Once acid penetrates it, it is understandable how it quickly can become damaged. Poor diet, high in acid content foods and beverages, and poor oral hygiene can cause enamel to
• weaken over months and eventually turn into tooth decay.
• Proper flossing and brushing, especially with xylitol toothpaste, can help bring about re-mineralization of enamel. As the mouth is kept at a neutral pH, acid attack on enamel is minimized and the enamel layer is allowed to re-mineralize.

In conclusion, you can strengthen the enamel with just a few daily proper practices and foregoing old bad habits. The enamel layer of your teeth is in a constant flow of re-mineralization and de-mineralization. If it is de-mineralizing more rapidly than re-mineralizing you develop white spots and eventually tooth decay.

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