07
Feb
How the food you eat can cause tooth decay
When you put food in your mouth, it immediately meets the bacteria that live there.
Plaque, for example, is a sticky film of bacteria.
These bacteria love the sugars found in many foods. So, when you don’t clean your teeth after eating, the bacteria and the sugar can combine to produce acids, which can destroy the enamel – the hard surface of the tooth.
In time, this can lead to tooth decay. The more often you eat, and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more damage occurs.
Many foods that are nutritious and important in our diet contain sugars – such as fruits, milk, bread, cereals, and even vegetables.
So, the key is not to try and avoid sugar but to think before you eat.
When you eat is also important because each time you eat food that contains sugars, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more.
This means that foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, helping to wash foods from the mouth and reduce the effects of acids.
Here are some tips to follow when choosing your meals and snacks.
- Eat a variety of foods from different food groups
- Limit the number of snacks that you eat
- If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit
It is also important to brush your teeth twice a day and to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.
And, of course, regular visits to your dentist will help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easier to treat.
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Angelica P. Summer, DPD, has been a Licensed Denturist in Seattle, Washington, since 1996. She has owned and operated A Dental and Denture in North Seattle since 1999. She completed her education at the University of the East and specializes in creating all types of dentures while you wait. Angelica is an active member of the Washington Denturist Association, National Denturist Association, and International Federation of Denturists.
Isabella Amar, DDS, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Math from the University of Washington and completed her doctorate from the UW School of Dentistry. During her academic career, she won Outstanding Scholastic Achievement and
Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society recognitions. Her approach to dental care is to provide the most optimal quality of treatment, creating a gentle experience and comfortable environment by forming personal connections with her patients and following up to ensure long-lasting results. She is also fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Fawaz Hatem, BDS, MSD, is an Oral Medicine Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Baghdad, Iraq, and obtained a Master’s degree from the UW School of Dentistry and further training from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Dr. Hatem has specialized training in Invisalign orthodontic treatment, sleep dentistry, teeth whitening, and administering Botox and dermal filler injections to enhance facial aesthetics and relieve TMJ symptoms. He is proficient in Arabic and English.
Dental Implant Specialist Kevin La, DDS, received his doctorate from UCLA School of Dentistry and his postgraduate qualification – an AEGD certificate – from the UPenn School of Dental Medicine. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is now a mentor for Associate Fellow Candidates. He is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry. The latter designation is the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Dr. La serves as a mentor in study clubs and implant training courses. He is now in the teaching faculty at the Pacific Implant Academy (PIA) and co-director for the PIA Implant Live Surgery Course in Tijuana, Mexico.
All providers have years of experience and expertise in their respective areas and are focused on continuing education to provide the best services for their patients. They aim to bring beautiful, healthy smiles to everyone in Seattle, WA.