When sweet indulgences turn sour
June 29th 2007 00:45
Article extracted from Health Today
Image extracted from jonny cupcakes
Indulging your sweet tooth during the festive or holiday season may adversely after your dental health.
When bacteria (plague) on your teeth come into contact with sugar or starch, produce acid that attacks the teeth. Over time, this can cause tooth enamel to break down and lead to cavities and other problems.
It should be noted that some sweet treats are worse than others, especially the stickier types as they are less likely to washed out from between the teeth by saliva.
The length of time food remains in your mouth is another important factor. Cough drops, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth longer. Unless they are sugar-free products, the teeth are subjected to acid attacks as long as they remain in the mouth.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy holiday sweets while reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- Consume sugary foods with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralise acid production and rinse out food particles.
- Limit between-meal snacks. If you must snack, choose nutritious foods and consider chewing sugarless gum after the snack. Sugarless gum increases saliva flow.
- Drink more water.
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily.
Image extracted from jonny cupcakes
Indulging your sweet tooth during the festive or holiday season may adversely after your dental health.
When bacteria (plague) on your teeth come into contact with sugar or starch, produce acid that attacks the teeth. Over time, this can cause tooth enamel to break down and lead to cavities and other problems.
It should be noted that some sweet treats are worse than others, especially the stickier types as they are less likely to washed out from between the teeth by saliva.
The length of time food remains in your mouth is another important factor. Cough drops, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth longer. Unless they are sugar-free products, the teeth are subjected to acid attacks as long as they remain in the mouth.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy holiday sweets while reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- Consume sugary foods with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralise acid production and rinse out food particles.
- Limit between-meal snacks. If you must snack, choose nutritious foods and consider chewing sugarless gum after the snack. Sugarless gum increases saliva flow.
- Drink more water.
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily.
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