Cavity Risk Assessment
Are you concerned about the number of cavities you or someone in your family has? There are many causes of cavities.Frequent exposure of the teeth to sugary, acidic or naturally sweet foods, drinks or snacks greatly increases the risk of more cavities.
Many foods and drinks have high sugar/acid content: all popular energy drinks, pops and sweetened fruit drinks and juices all contain over six teaspoons of sugar per serving. Any diet pop still contains many acids which demineralize (take out the calcium) the enamel that protects the tooth. Drinking several coffees/tea with sugar also increase the risk.
Many of the packaged snacks packed in lunches are guaranteed to increase the risk of cavities. Read the ingredients! If sugar or a derivative of sugar is in the top four ingredients, put it back on the shelf. Canada's New Food Guide gives examples of healthy snacks.
New studies have shown that Xylitol Gum and Xylitol Mouthwash reduce cavities.