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Sugar is Up to No Good
Sugar and acids, even in natural sources like fruit, are damaging to teeth. Refined sugars and fermentable carbohydrates are the worst, however. The recipe for plaque boils down to bacteria, food debris, and acid mixed together. Where does the acid come from? It can reach your teeth through acidic foods and beverages (grapefruit, lemonade, soda, vinegar). The other way acid attacks teeth is when bacteria create it as a by-product of their sugar consumption. If you eat something acidic or high in sucrose, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the compound and flush away food debris and bacteria.
Healthier Choices
There are many choices in our American supermarkets. Unfortunately, too many of them are unhealthy to our bodies and our teeth. One good choice for teeth is dairy. Milk products help softened tooth enamel to remineralize thanks to calcium. Almonds and spinach (or other leafy greens) are also excellent sources of calcium. If you have a sweet craving, you can try chewing sugarless gum. The xylitol gives a sweet taste without the detrimental effects of sugar. Xylitol even traps the germs that cause cavities. Furthermore, gum stimulates saliva, which is your mouths natural shower. Ample salivary production rinses away food debris and germs. This doesn’t replace your daily oral hygiene, however. Don’t forget the importance of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once. You should also attend a dental checkup and cleaning every six months.
Visit your Riverside Dentists
To schedule a consultation, checkup, and cleaning, call .
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