{"id":112,"date":"2018-11-30T01:30:29","date_gmt":"2018-11-30T01:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nyhowarddds.com\/blog\/?p=112"},"modified":"2018-11-30T01:33:03","modified_gmt":"2018-11-30T01:33:03","slug":"wondering-what-makes-you-cavity-prone-heres-some-insight-from-a-san-marcos-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhowarddds.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/30\/wondering-what-makes-you-cavity-prone-heres-some-insight-from-a-san-marcos-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"Wondering What Makes You Cavity Prone? Here’s Some Insight from a San Marcos Dentist"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"electricTooth decay and gum disease are like schoolyard bullies. They pick on some of us more than others. Keeping them at bay means brushing and flossing, using dental rinse, watching what you eat, and seeing your dentist<\/a> for regular cleanings and checkups.<\/p>\n

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Diet and Tooth Decay: the Clear Connection<\/h2>\n

The human body is a marvel of nature. Not only does it keep us going throughout our lives, it has a state-of-the-art\u00a0 security system that guards us against threats. In this case, those threats are microscopic bacteria, like the kind that cause tooth decay and gum disease.<\/p>\n

Ridding your body of these invaders for good and all is impossible. So we do the next best thing. We limit our exposure to them through habits like brushing and flossing. But these practices will only do a limited amount of good unless we also watch what we eat.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because harmful micro-organisms live on sugar and starch. They harvest it from food particles in your mouth. The only way to keep them from gassing up is to limit their access to fuel. This is why dentists talk so much about avoiding sugary foods. But simple starches like pretzels and potato chips pose much the same risk.<\/p>\n

Of course, life would be pretty dull if we never indulged our sweet tooth or reached for the occasional salty snack. So take time this holiday season to sample some epicurean delights. But do so sparingly, and follow up by brushing and flossing soon afterwards<\/p>\n

While we’re on this topic, we should mention the other side of the coin. Your diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein like chicken, turkey or tofu, and calcium sources like reduced fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Your body uses the nutrients in these foods to keep your teeth strong.<\/p>\n

Other Factors that Can Increase Your Risk of Cavities<\/h2>\n

Diet isn\u2019t the only thing that can make you cavity-prone. Any of the following risk factors can also endanger your dental health:<\/p>\n