Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 2/10/2009

Question
Hi, well first off I'll say I haven't always been the best at taking care of my teeth until the last few years. I'm in my mid twenties now. 2 years ago (after not being at the dentist for a very long time) I went and needed 3 extractions, no fillings. Last year I went and needed 2 small fillings in my top wisdom teeth. After that I did everything right (or so I thought), brushing, flossing, mouth wash etc. I went to my dentist again a few weeks ago, and she took x-rays and told me I needed 5 fillings. Now I know things like that can develop pretty quickly and its not necessarily that it was something that was overlooked in a previous visit, but when I asked my dentist how it could have happened so easily, she told me she reckons I have soft enamel and she'd have to keep a close eye on it. Now at the time I was in a diazepam induced relaxed state, and I didn't really take in everything she was saying, but is there any advice on things I can do to help reduce any further damage. I don't drink fizzy drinks or eat sweets as I am, so what else can contribute to the problem? Or is there a particular toothpaste or rinse I can use to help??
Thank you very much, and sorry this is so long!!

Answer
Hi Shelly

You need to look very closely at your diet and reduce the amount of sugar you have.  Sugar is not always obvious, for example tomato ketchup is very high in sugar.  Similarly fruit, although generally good for you is very high in sugar.  You should be using a fluoride toothpaste, and should talk to your dentist about fluoride mouthwash or treatment.

Regards

Tony Appleton