More Tips and Fun Facts

It's Not Just the Candy That is Dangerous to Your Smile.

Did you know that foods other than candy can promote tooth decay ? Bacteria within our mouth feed on the sugar found in candy creating acid as a result. It is this acid by-product which eats into tooth enamel creating cavities.

Bacteria create acid not only from the sugars found in candy but also from the sugars and carbohydrates found in other foods including pasta, crackers, popcorn, and potato chips. Even "healthy" snacks like fruits contain ample amounts of natural sugar for use by bacteria.

Especially harmful are foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to teeth where they provide a constant source of sugar and carbohydrates for bacteria.

What can you do to protect yourself? Brush after meals. Brushing helps remove both the bacteria and the left over food particles which the bacteria feast on.

If you can not brush, try washing food down with liquids ensuring that less food remains on teeth. Chewing sugarless gum also helps by stimulating saliva flow. Saliva acts as a natural cavity fighting substance.