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We all know that we're supposed to brush our teeth and floss after every meal. It's one of the rules of dental hygiene that we learn about from the time we are kids. We also know that we are supposed to visit the dentist. It's recommended that we get regular dental checkups with cleanings and bite-wing x-rays at least twice a year to keep our teeth clean and to avoid more serious dental problems like tooth decay. But what else can we do to keep our teeth healthy? Maintaining healthy teeth requires more than just brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist. It also means developing good dental hygiene habits. A big part of this development is what you eat. The food that you put in your mouth is one of the largest contributors to a healthy or unhealthy mouth. Foods that are high in sugar are bad for your teeth. Sugar that is left in your mouth is eaten by bacteria, which turn that sugar into acid. This is the acid that eats away at your teeth, causing tooth decay. Foods that are sticky and high in sugar like caramel, and even foods with high natural sugars like raisins can cause problems. It's also important to avoid foods that are too difficult to chew, whether because they are too hard or too sticky. Constant snacking in between meals is also discouraged, because your saliva needs that time to clean your teeth. Saliva acts as a natural tooth cleaner, but if we're constantly putting food in our mouth, it doesn't have a chance to do its job. These important tips will help you avoid tooth decay. WestGate Dental Care (http://www.westgatedentalcare.net) is a Arlington Heights dentist provide the highest quality dental care at our Arlington Heights dental office.
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