When you were little and your mom told you not to eat too much sugar because it would rot your teeth, she was exactly right.
Americans, on average, consume about 155 lbs (pounds) of sugar, per person, per year, and we haven't even started counting starches (carbohydrates) yet.
Research shows that the acid left by sugars remains on your teeth for an average of 20 minutes and eats away at your teeth, which in the long run, may cause permanent tooth damage.
The question then remains of how to help your teeth, so that they aren't as damaged by these sugars, and what are some ways to cut some sugar out of your diet?
An important thing to remember is that soft drinks contain about 10 teaspoons of sugar a piece. Many people also forget that many fruits also contain sugars. These sugars may in the long run be better for your teeth, but they are still sugars.
To avoid multiple fillings and, in the long run, rotting teeth, watch your sugar intake by eating sugars in a meal. When you eat your sugars in foods prepared with a meal, you reduce the harmful effects it may have on your teeth, because of the extra saliva being produced during mealtimes.
Brushing and flossing your teeth is also extremely important. The dentist probably reminds you every time you make a visit to brush and floss.
Flossing is just as important as brushing, because if you fail to floss, you may miss up to 35% of the cleaning that could be accomplished by a simple flossing procedure.
Calcium helps build strong bones and strong teeth. Many dairy products contain this calcium that your body craves. If you are lactose intolerant remember that you can always get calcium tablets.
Some people have found that eating cheese may also help your teeth, because an ingredient in cheese helps prevent demineralization which causes cavities to form.
The answers to the questions above then have multiple parts and multiple solutions. Be sure to brush and floss twice daily, eat sugar with meals, and don't forget the essential dairies or calcium in your every day diet.
Regular dentist visits (at least twice a year), can also help prevent tooth decay, especially in children.
Dentists provide an important inspection and cleaning of the teeth that cannot be performed anywhere else, and it is important that you keep seeing the dentist your entire life to ensure the healthiest teeth possible.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and Las Vegas dentist. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 