Your smile is meant to last a lifetime, but you need to take good care of it. One of the most serious threats to your smile is tooth decay. There are three things you can do to prevent tooth decay: Visit Dr. Semaan for regular checkups, brush and floss daily, and avoid sugary foods as much as possible, especially between meals.

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in the world. And even though it’s a common problem for kids and teenagers, cavities can occur at any age.

The Worst Types of Candy

It’s no secret that foods which are high in sugar can damage your smile. But some types of sugary foods are more damaging than others. For example, hard, chewy, and sour candies are more likely to cause tooth decay than other types of candy such as chocolate. That’s because chocolate isn’t acidic and it washes away from your smile more easily than other types of candy.

Hard candy and sticky candy tend to remain on your teeth for a long time after you finish eating them. They leave a sticky residue that’s full of sugar. The bacteria that cause cavities will consume this sugar and then begin to break down your enamel, the hard outer layer that protects your teeth.

Sour candy contains acid that attacks your teeth and allows cavity-causing bacteria to penetrate your teeth.

Chips, Bread, and Crackers

Candy is bad for your teeth, but it isn’t the greatest threat to your smile. High carbohydrate foods like chips, bread, and crackers are even worse. They do their damage by creating a gooey film that gets stuck on your smile and between your teeth. Like candy, these foods feed the bacteria that cause cavities.

Healthier Eating Habits

It’s really important to avoid snacking between meals as much as possible. When you eat a big meal, your body releases saliva that helps to fight cavities. When you do eat between meals, try to eat healthy snacks like nuts and fruit. It also helps a lot to rinse your smile with water after snacking.

Your Smile Specialists in Beverly Hills, MI

Dr. Semaan at Birmingham Family Dentistry offers a number of cosmetic and restorative services to keep your smile healthy and shining bright. Call today to arrange your personal Smile Analysis Consultation and discovery what our porcelain crowns, dental implants, and other treatments can do for your smile.