THE EFFECTS OF SUGAR ON TEETH
And Improving Your Enamel
Everyone knows that an excessive amount of sugar isn’t healthy, but many are unaware of why sugar is bad for teeth. It might surprise you to know that sugar itself isn’t what hurts your teeth; it’s what happens after you consume it. The Battle of the Mouth Our mouths are filled with bacteria, but don’t be alarmed because most of them are helpful rather than harmful. However, these helpful bacteria are at constant odds with those looking to destroy your enamel. Harmful oral bacteria feed on sugars, and when they do, they produce acid, which strips healthy minerals from your tooth enamel. This process is known as demineralization.
Demineralization is continuously butting heads against another process called remineralization, which replaces destroyed minerals and strengthens the teeth. When someone eats a large quantity of sugars or starches, demineralization can happen more quickly and more often, and remineralization can’t keep up. Cavities The constant destruction of the enamel by these acids creates a bacterial infection, which can eat away at your tooth until there is a hole, aka a cavity. Cavities can be treated in many ways depending on their severity. If it has just started, using fluoride treatments can increase remineralization and build up enamel again. Another option is to receive a filling, which is
a common treatment that fills the hole with various materials, such as porcelain or tooth- colored resins. When the cavity isn’t treated, it burrows deeper into the tooth, causing pain and tooth loss. Improving Remineralization Making sure your teeth are exposed to constant minerals is the best method to strengthen your enamel. In addition to using fluoride rinses and toothpastes, keep an eye on your diet. Avoiding sugary foods and consuming fruits and vegetables with high fibers, cheeses and yogurts with calcium and phosphates, and black and green teas to repress harmful bacteria are all ways to improve remineralization.
Inspired by CookingLight.com
Word Search
Watermelon Cucumber Skewers
Skewers are a Fourth of July favorite, but these are not your classic kebabs. They’re a fresh, light, and fun way to start a barbecue. Oh, and they don’t require any actual cooking.
Ingredients
• •
1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed 2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
• •
1 bunch fresh mint leaves
Salt, to taste
Equipment •
•
1 block feta cheese, cubed
1 packet of bamboo skewers
Directions
BARBEQUE CAMPFIRE CAMPING FIREWORK
HOT INDEPENDENCE JULY
SUMMER SUN SWIMMING TANNING UFO VOLLEYBALL WATERMELON
1. Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full.
2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.
LEMONADE OUTDOORS
FISHING FRIENDS HIKING
SANDALS SKEWERS
A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P3
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog