Quick Teeth Care Facts
Is sugar bad for your teeth? What about sugar free gum? Is dental care cheaper in Mexico? And what’s the deal with waterpiks? We’ve done some research and talked with dentists to answer some commonly asked questions concerning dental care.
Why is sugar bad for your teeth?
As unfortunate as it is, sugar is actually bad for your teeth for two reasons: the big one is that bacteria loves sugar. And unfortunately, there is a lot of bacteria in our mouths. This bacteria lives in your plaque and secretes acidic liquid that erodes teeth enamel. But it isn’t just sugar, any food that gets stuck in your teeth can be a buffet for bacteria. This acid is the #1 cause of cavities.
Should I brush my teeth right after eating?
No. Every time you eat anything, the bacteria in your mouth is eating too, and producing lots of acid that lingers on your teeth. When you brush you’re removing plaque that is covering the enamel and then sweeping acidic material back and forth across your teeth. Dentists recommend you wait 30 minutes after eating sweets to brush.
But you should definitely drink water after eating anything (especially sweets) to clear any residual sugars from your mouth.
So, what about sugar-free gum or soda?
Chewing gum forces your mouth to produce saliva. One of saliva’s many jobs is to bring essential minerals into your mouth that can bind to your teeth’s enamel. Saliva also lowers the pH of your mouth because it has a neutral pH. Sugary gum has the downside of introducing more sugar into the system, basically feeding the bacteria while your mouth fights it, creating a stalemate. Sugar-free gum doesn’t create more acid and can help lower acidity and so it is recommended by most dentists.
Sugar-free drinks are a million times better than sugary drinks, but they are naturally acidic. Meaning they can be harmful anyway.
Is dental care cheaper in Mexico?
When you’re paying out of pocket, the answer is yes. When you already have insurance, the answer is not always. It depends on the price of the procedure and if it is covered.
That being said, we cannot recommend going to another country to get medical care. There are many factors that go into this decision, and we cannot weigh in on them in an article. We highly recommend you do your research and think critically about the choice you make when it comes to getting care.
Something to note is that the cost for healthcare in Mexico is rising. So while this was a neat loophole many people have used in the past, that probably won’t be true forever.
Should I use a Waterpik?
Probably not. We wrote an article on flossing last year and the experts we talked to said that water flossers (waterpik is the brand name) are best for people with receding gums, perio pockets, or some other sensitivity. Basically, if you use a water flosser you should also use normal floss too.
Ultimately, we recommend you talk to your dentist before you spend $50 at sharper image on one.