Five Things You Didn't Know About Cavities

Most people know when they have a cavity—they can either see it on their tooth or... ouch! They can feel it! But there are certain things that many of our patients don't know about cavities that could save them a trip to our Aurora office!

1. Not all sugars are created equal

It's quite well known that eating dietary sugars in excess along with poor oral hygiene leads to dental decay such as cavities. This is due to the fact that the bacteria in your mouth feed on these sugars and excrete acids as a byproduct of that process, thus causing decay. But xylitol, a sugar alcohol derived from birch or corn, actually prevents the bacteria from converting sugars into acids.

Xylitol is available in the form of gum, mints, toothpaste, and even in a granulated form much like regular cane sugar. You might consider trying some xylitol products between meals to keep your mouth clean and fresh.

2. It's not always what you eat but HOW you eat

Are you a grazer, always snacking between meals and never satisfied? We now know that this kind of eating can contribute to cavities and other oral health problems.

Every time you eat anything with carbohydrates in it, you're feeding the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn produce acids. If you're constantly eating, it doesn't allow your saliva time to bring the pH of your mouth back into a more alkaline, neutral state. It takes your saliva about 20 minutes to neutralize the acids in your mouth after eating.

It's especially easy to harm your teeth in this way with soft drinks, sipping all day long. So, it's best to avoid sugary drinks and junk food, and if you need a snack opt for healthy vegetables or what are known as "detergent foods." If you do decide to drink a soft drink or eat something sugary, have it all at once and not over the course of the day.

3. Flossing is one of the most important oral hygiene techniques

Although most of our patients are aware that they need to brush, sometimes they can get lackadaisical when it comes to flossing. And that's a big mistake. Flossing is one of the most important (and we daresay, easiest) things someone can do to help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

You see, as we've already mentioned, the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities feed on the food you eat. So if you've got pieces of that food stuck between your teeth all day and night, every day, that's asking for a problem.

Flossing clears that bacteria-feeding food out from between your teeth. Floss daily and whenever you decide to do it, morning or night, just do it!

4. A dry mouth can lead to cavities and tooth decay

Your teeth's best defense against cavities and tooth decay is actually your saliva! We've already talked about the pH neutralizing effect saliva has. So if you find you have a dry mouth often, make sure to have some water to sip on. Or why not try some xylitol mints or gum to get your saliva production kicked into action?

5. Over-brushing can damage your enamel

If you brush like a construction worker with a jackhammer, you should ease up! Brushing too hard can scrape away at your teeth's enamel, which leaves them more susceptible to cavities and decay. Brush lightly, with your brush angled at the gum line for two minutes, twice a day. That's all that is required!

What PatientsAre Saying

“Dr. Milan Yazdani has been our family dentist since 1998. During our first visit, I recall being impressed with his knowledge, skill and genuine regard and conscientiousness to create a trusting and caring environment for patients; which has consistently been our reality over the past 19 years. Dr. Yazdani has partnered with us to provide the best dental are available, and we consider ourselves fortunate that he chose to locate his practice in Aurora. I find that the special interest and consideration that Dr. Yazdani has for his patients exceeded expectations and is welcomely appreciated.”

~ Nadia C.

“Myself and my now adult children have been Dr. Yazdani’s patients for 17 years! He and his staff are customer focused. They are professional, welcoming, courteous and experts in their field. Appointments are always on time and the facility is very clean. We actually look forward to our dental visits! Our expectations are met each and every time. Thanks Dr. Yazdani and crew!”

~ Eva C.

“My family and I have been patients of Dr. Yazdani for 15 years now. The clinic itself has state of the art technology and the friendly staff are always there to greet you with a smile. Dr. Yazdani cares for his patients; he is very pleasant and always explains what he is doing. Our appointments are always on schedule and if there’s ever an emergency, they try to accommodate you in every way possible.”

~ Susan R.

“Dr. Milan Yazdani has been my dentist for over 23 years, and my wife and I will continue to see Dr. Yazdani for as long as he practices, as he is an excellent dentist and has provided outstanding services. My wife and I have known his staff for many years and they are professional, courteous, helpful and enjoyable to deal with. Dr. Yazdani has taken a personal interest in our dental health and has provided a lot of good advice in maintaining our oral hygiene. We always look forward to seeing Dr. Yazdani for our scheduled appointments.”

~ Rob and Mary

“Our family has been coming to Dr. Milan Yazdani for dental care since he first opened his practice in Aurora. We have been to many dentists over the years, and have found Dr. Yazdani to excel them all in his professionalism and knowledge, his consultative, caring and sensitive approach, and we find his entire team to be friendly, flexible, professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

~ Pat M. and Peter S.

“The Yazdani Dental office has serviced my family for over 20 years. My children, now young adults, have received the best care from a staff that has, for the most part, remained intact all this time. Their manner is friendly, courteous and professional. I highly recommend them!”

~ Gord D.

“On my first appointment with Dr. Yazdani, I immediately noticed how welcoming everyone was. The secretary, Lina, was very personable and kind. Dr. Yazdani was very thorough and professional, and I felt very valued as a patient. His staff is amazing and they are always very friendly. Six years later, my whole family frequents the office and I highly recommend him to anyone that is looking for a great dentist.”

~ Natasha V.

“I have now been cared for by Dr. Yazdani and his capable staff for a number of years. Previously dental visits were a cause for reluctance and discomfort - not so with Dr. Yazdani and staff. Visits are pleasant and efficient with minimal and infrequent discomfort. Couldn’t recommend Yazdani Dental any higher!”

~ John G.

“Dr. Yazdani is an excellent dentist who main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and getting the best dentistry he can offer. The staff is very accommodating and friendly; the office is always very clean.  Dr. Yazdani has been my dentist for 13 years and I would highly recommend hi to all my friends and family.”

~ Rebecca G.

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Milan Yazdani for a number of years. He’s always been very conscientious whether he's doing a tooth extraction, or filing a cavity. He never makes you feel nervous. His dental hygienists have been helpful with home dental care instructions. The receptionist greets you cheerfully and makes you feel relaxed.  If you are looking for an exceptional dentist, I would highly recommend Dr. Yazdani.”

~ Gareth J.

“We have patients of Dr. Yazdani for 20 years, and have been extremely happy with him and his whole team!”

~ Christina, Bill, Mary Anne, and Beth
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