Pace Eating For Your Weight AND Smile’s Health

The human body is a miraculous creation. From the moment you put food in your mouth, a process begins to break the contents down. This initial stage of digestion is of tremendous benefit to your body’s ability to absorb protein, vitamins and minerals. However, what takes place in the mouth can also create challenges to your teeth and gums.

Every time you eat or drink (other than water), an acid attack begins in the mouth. This acid can erode tooth enamel and open the door for oral bacteria accumulation. And, the worst type of acid attacks occur from consuming sugary foods and beverages.

Perhaps you enjoy a candy bar and soda mid-afternoons as a snack. Because the acid attack will last as long as you’re consuming, if you sip on a soda over the course of an hour, the acid’s destruction will last that long. This is why you should eat sweets as dessert rather than between meals as a snack. Since your mouth is already enduring an acid attack from your meal, extending it with dessert is better than triggering a new one during the day.

Brushing your teeth will negate the ill-effects of this acid. However, we recommend waiting about 30 minutes after eating since tooth enamel is at its most vulnerable in the midst and just following the acid’s presence. Give your saliva a half hour to dilute it and then brush. When you can’t brush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. If you experience dry mouth due to medications or age, we can recommend rinses to keep your mouth moist and provide oral cleansing benefits.

Snacks such as carrots, celery and apples actually help to clean your teeth and cause a less-severe acid attack as those brought on by sweets. Be conscious of how your body shape AND your smile can benefit from healthier, well-paced eating and you’ll achieve a healthier you from head to toe!