The Last Straw
Summer 2009
In many cases tooth decay initiates, not because of what type of food you put in your mouth, but because of the length of time a food or beverage is in contact with your teeth. After having a meal, snack or drink, the bacteria in plaque release acids that attack the enamel surfaces of your teeth. Repeated acid attacks increasingly erode the enamel, eventually causing tooth decay and cavities. That's why we suggest indulging in drinks (besides water) and sugary or acidic foods in one sitting, instead of snacking on or sipping them throughout the day.
If you can't break your habit of sipping the occasional beverage over a longer period of time, you may want to consider drinking through a straw, positioned towards the back of the mouth. This allows the drink to avoid as much contact as possible with your teeth, and therefore minimize the risk of not only cavities, but also staining on your front teeth.
Of course, even when drinking through a straw, your back teeth will still be bathed with sugary and acidic liquids, so it's always wise to rinse your mouth out with water when you finish your drink. Don't brush your teeth right after though wait at least 30 minutes after finishing your drink to brush, to allow softened tooth enamel to re-harden and avoid any damage caused by the toothbrush.
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Mon.: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tues.: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wed.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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121 Congressional Lane
Suite 501
Rockville, MD 20852
Conveniently Located
Near the Twinbrook
Metro Station
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