We all have bacteria in our mouths, some good and some bad. Different strains of bacteria cause cavities and other strains cause periodontal disease. An unlucky patient will have both kinds in their mouths. The bacteria we have is both acquired and inherited.

Bacteria needs fuel to create problems. It’s fueled by a combination of acid and sugar. Some examples of perfect bacteria fuel include soda, chips, candy, fancy drinks from Starbucks, and various kinds of fruit. After consuming a bacteria fueling food or drink our bodies will try to clear the sugar and acid away naturally with saliva.

What you consume is as important as how you consume it. Debris left behind from eating will get washed off our teeth with good salivary flow, which also helps restore the pH in our mouths to a neutral (7.0) state. It takes approximately 15 minutes for our saliva to restore a neutral pH in our mouths. For patients who prefer to “sip all day” or savour their drinks, teeth will get multiple exposures to acid and sugar which multiples the risk of cavities forming. Consuming a sugary drink or food item is best done in a short period of time to reduce risk.

For patients who suffer from xerostomia (dry mouth), cavities can form much quicker due to not having enough saliva to remove debris and buffer the pH back to neutral. Drinking plenty of water with meals and brushing/flossing soon after helps reduce the risk of tooth decay. In addition, staying routine with hygiene visits and exams will allow us to catch problems sooner, allowing us to intervene before a cavity becomes too large.