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What Dentist Appointments And Oil Changes Have In Common

Ever get your teeth cleaned and feel like you’re getting a tune-up on your pearly whites? If so, you’ve made the right correlation. Getting your teeth checked is like getting your tires rotated or having your car serviced. After a certain number of miles, your car will need to be checked, just as you teeth need to be checked after not visiting the dentist after a certain amount of time. This way, you can make sure that there are no cavities, tooth decay, or other problems that may develop down the road for your teeth. Just as your car, you would need a checkup every few months to make sure everything is running smoothly to prevent it from breaking down. Be sure to care for your teeth and visit a dentist at least twice a year. This can avoid hitting any bumps in the road for a smooth ride to a better smile!

How Does the Food We Eat Affect Our Teeth?

As obesity runs rampant in the US, people are more acutely aware of how food affects their bodies in terms of fat content and calories, but do you know the effects food has on your body before it even reaches your stomach?

We know that sugary foods are bad for our teeth, but why exactly?

When you take a bite of food, you’re not just feeding yourself.  The bacteria in your mouth feasts as well, and sugar happens to be one of its favorite meals.  While the bacteria is feeding on the sugar, it’s giving off an acid byproduct that strips enamel off your teeth. The longer the sugar sits in your mouth, the longer the bacteria feeds on it. (Which is why some experts say snacking is harmful to your teeth.)  If the acid attacks your teeth for a prolonged period of time, more of the enamel is weakened and stripped away.

To prevent tooth enamel erosion, avoid the sugar.  Instead, opt for nutritious foods like cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit.  On top of that, limit the amount of snacks you consume.  Each time you eat, the acid is attacking your teeth for about 20 minutes after the last time you swallow.  If you’re constantly eating snacks, your mouth has less of a chance to neutralize itself and get rid of the acid.