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(989)
872-3870
6240
Hill Street
Cass City, MI 48726
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for more
information
Copyright © 2004
James D. Thomas, DDS, PC
All Rights Reserved
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Sip
All Day, Get Decay
Consuming too many
sweets, or sipping pop (or sports drinks) through the day can
lead to tooth decay, as shown in the equation above. Pop contains
a large
amount of sugar (9-12 teaspoons! in a 12 ounce can of pop is typical).
Pop is also very acidic. (Even diet pop still contains the acid.)
Remember
the slogan from the Michigan Dental Association: Sip All
Day, Get Decay.
Starches
Contain Complex Sugars
In addition to
foods high in sugar, foods that are high in starches, such as
potato chips, crackers, breads, cakes and even rice dishes can
also be
damaging to the teeth. The saliva in your mouth breaks down the
starches into maltose, a sugar. Like table sugar, when maltose
comes into contact with plaque, acid is formed. This acid is strong
enough to dissolve away the enamel that protects the teeth, leading
to tooth decay, as shown in the above equation.
Combating
Decay
You can combat decay
by taking care of your teeth. Some decay-fighting tips that can pay
off in fewer cavities and healthier teeth follow:
- Brush at least
twice a day.
- Floss once
a day.
- It's better
to choose healthy drinks for refreshments, such as milk, or 100%
fruit juices. If you do consume pop, limit your intake to one
a day and drink it in a single setting. Brush your teeth afterwards,
if possible.
- Choose healthy
foods for snacks, such as cheese, crunchy fruits and veggies.
- Eliminate
hard candies and cough drops, that stay in your mouth for a
long time.
- If you are
unable to brush after a meal or a sweet treat, at least rinse
your mouth with water, so that the sugar and acid don't stay
on the
surfaces
of your teeth for the entire morning or afternoon.
- Don't take
any sweets after you brush, before bedtime. That sweet treat will
stay on the surfaces of your teeth all night.
- Be sure to come
see us for your 6-month checkup and hygiene appointments.
For instructions
on proper brushing and flossing techniques click here How
to brush and floss
Read more from
the Michigan Dental Association
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