Most people know how food affects our bodies as far as fat content and calories; but many do not realize what one bite of food does as it touches our teeth. We have all been told that too much candy can hurt our teeth, but it is much more than that.

 As you take a bite of food it is met in your mouth by bacteria, plaque being the most prevalent. The bacteria love sugary foods and this is not limited to candy. Food such as fruits, milk, bread, cereals and even vegetables all contain sugars. So when you don’t clean your teeth immediately after eating, the bacteria turns the sugars into acids that can destroy your enamel and eventually lead to tooth decay.  The more often you eat or snack and the longer foods are held in your mouth the more damage occurs.

 Here are a few tips to keep in mind for better oral health:  Eat a balanced diet and limit your snacks because each time you eat, the acids can attack your teeth for twenty minutes or more. Also, when choosing your snacks, try to reach for nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit. And, of course, brush and floss twice a day.

Source: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/diet_faq.asp

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