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Studies Shows Snacking Can Cause Cavities
The concern is evident when you visit your dentist for a check-up. Will I need a filling or two? You have been brushing and flossing and rinsing diligently but is that enough?
In some respects, the answer is no. Recent studies in the USA have shown that snacking increases the causes of dental cavities and snacking should be limited to reduce the amount of tooth decay your dentist may find.
This is how it works. Bacteria live in your mouth under the guise of dental plaque. Dental plaque begins to form on your teeth less than half-an-hour after eating. If this plaque is not removed, over time dental cavities can begin to appear.
The science is simple. Each time a meal is consumed, your mouth changes from neutral to acidic. It stays acidic for many hours after eating, so snacking maintains the acidity in your mouth. This can lead to tooth decay. The more you snack the more time the acids are in contact with the enamel creating a greater opportunity for a cavity to appear.
So, what is the remedy? You can’t rush to the dentist each time you have a cupcake or a muffin. However, if you do snack, brush if possible, or rinse the mouth with water after eating. It is essential that you choose water and not a sugary drink. That may seem obvious but people still do it.
It may be impractical to brush or rinse after every snack but maybe it is easier to change behaviours and snack less. Studies by Brunel University in the UK have indicated that eating a hearty breakfast, a good lunch and a light dinner should help you get through the day without the need for snacking.
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