Acids found in common foods:      Soft drinks – phosphoric acid     Fruit and fruit products – citric and malic acids   Fermented products (yogurt) – lactic acid   Grapes and wines – tartaric acid

When acidic food or drink is consumed the enamel will soften for a short amount of time. Typically, saliva slowly helps to restore the natural balance of the acid in the mouth. If foods high in acid are consumed on an excessive basis, the mouth can’t repair itself and there is a greater chance for dental erosion

Frequently consuming foods with a low pH value, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, fresh fruit and yogurt can lead to irreversible dental erosion, according to a report in the January/February 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal. Dental erosion is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth. Dental enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth’s structure and shape while protecting it from decay.

Good Consuming dairy products is vital to maintaining good overall health, and it’s especially important to bone health. But there has been little research about how dairy products affect oral health in particular. However, according to a new study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.

The dental hygienist may offer instructions for oral care at home based on the results of the oral exam provided. He or she may demonstrate how to brush and floss properly. Sometimes, the hygienist will teach you to use a disclosing agent to test your brushing ability.

Some experts recommend using a disclosing agent only at the dentist’s office, and only if the hygienist is prepared to polish any remaining red color off the teeth afterward. Other dental experts, however, believe that disclosing agents are a useful tool for improving oral hygiene practices. They recommend that some patients use them at home.

The purpose of a professional dental cleaning is to remove the hard calculus (also called tartar) from above and just below the gum line. Brushing and flossing at home removes plaque. Only dental instruments can remove calculus. Some dental hygienists use ultrasonic instruments to blast away the larger chunks of tartar. They follow up with hand instruments to thoroughly clean the teeth. Other hygienists use only hand instruments.

Your dentist may check how well your teeth fit together by examining your bite. First, you will be asked to bite naturally. If the teeth don’t seem to fit together properly, your dentist may have you bite down on special wax or paper. Your teeth make an impression in the wax that can help show how your teeth meet. The paper makes temporary marks on your teeth that show where your teeth come together.

The soft tissues of the mouth include the tongue, the inside of the lips and cheeks, and the floor and roof of the mouth. Your dentist will normally check for spots, cuts, swellings, growths or other abnormal areas.

It is important to tell your dentist at the start of each dental visit if you think you have any new cavities, sensitive teeth, or if you feel any lumps inside of your mouth. Do not wait to see if the dentist catches it or silently hope the dentist misses it. By telling your dentist your symptoms, you may help him or her make an early diagnosis

Make sure to tell your dentist if you have been diagnosed with any diseases or are taking any new medicines. It is important to tell your dentist about all medicines you take. This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. Even diseases that seem to be unrelated to the mouth may require a different approach to dental treatments or prevention.

Make sure you talk to your dentist. An important part of every dental visit is updating your medical history. Your dentist will want to know if you have had any changes in your health or your medicines since your last visit. Mention everything about your health, even if you do not think it relates to your mouth. Many diseases can affect your mouth and teeth.

Researchers continue to discover ways in which oral health is related to overall health. For example, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Research also suggests that periodontal infection can affect your blood sugar levels. It can make your diabetes harder to control. Other health conditions may require your dentist to change the type of anesthesia given.

Bring a list of all medicines you take, with dosages. Some medicines cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities. Your dentist also will want to check that any drug he or she prescribes does not interact with drugs you are already taking.