Cosmetic Dentist - Salem Oregon | 810 Liberty St NE | Salem, OR 97301 | 503-364-9222
To help prevent cavities - how often you eat can be just as important as what you eat. The reason is that food affects your teeth long after you have swallowed it. Certain bacteria in your mouth take the carbohydrates that you eat and produce acids. They can produce this acid up to 30 minutes after you have eaten. These acids dissolve minerals in your teeth and can start the process of a cavity.
Sugary foods like cookies and candies have carbohydrates, but less obvious foods like breads, apples and crackers all have carbohydrates. So if you are nibbling on crackers or sipping on a Big Gulp every 30 minutes - it is like bathing your teeth in acid all day long. It is much better for your teeth to have snack foods with your meal rather than multiple times between meals. Or better yet - just eat healthy foods at regular meal times. Here is a link below to an article that talks all about healthy eating strategies to keep your mouth and teeth in great shape!