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Posted on 6/9/2017 by Michael Mettler |
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Starchy foods are one of the most popular types of food cravings. People just can’t get enough of their rice, pastas, and breads, but did you know that all that starchy food could be the cause of any excessive plaque buildup you might be experiencing? How Does Starchy Foods Cause Plaque Buildup? Starchy foods, such as cupcakes, pastas, cereals, and breads, have a very high sugar content. Even foods that aren’t thought of as sweet, such as rice or bread, have components that the body views as sugar. When you consume these foods, left over food gets left on and around the teeth. That sugary food attracts bacteria. Too much bacteria attracted to the teeth can cause excessive plaque to build up. Why Is Excessive Plaque Buildup Bad? Excessive plaque buildup is bad because it could severely damage your teeth. The plaque and the bacteria on the teeth could do everything from cause gum irritation to the softening of enamel and even cavities. What Can You Do To Help Prevent Plaque Buildup Caused By Starchy Foods? Even though starchy foods can cause plaque buildup, just eating this type of food is not enough to cause the plaque to build up. It is a combination of excessive amounts of starchy foods and poor dental hygiene. If you like to eat starchy foods, there are things you can do to prevent the plaque from building up. Brush Teeth Immediately After Consuming Starchy Foods and After Meals The best, and most important, thing you can do is to immediately brush and floss your teeth after consuming starchy foods. This will get rid of any leftover food on your teeth. If there is no leftover food, the bacteria won’t have anything to feed off of and grow on. There may be some occasions when you can’t brush your teeth immediately after a meal or consuming starchy foods. When this happens, you can make sure you rinse your mouth out with water. This will get rid of some of the food that is left over then you can brush your teeth when you get home. Eat A Healthy, Nutritious Diet You don’t have to cut out starch completely, but you do need to make sure you are eating nutritious foods. It is important that you consume a diet that is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals. It will improve not only your oral health, but your overall health. Visit Dr. Gantz at Enhanced Dental Care Regularly For Routine Cleanings No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to clean your teeth as thoroughly as the dentist. To prevent plaque buildup, it is important that you regularly visit your dentist for routine cleanings. If you live in the Walla Walla area, you can schedule an appointment with Enhanced Dental Care. Our caring staff is willing to conduct a routine examination, perform a cleaning, and even provide you with tips on how to properly care for your teeth. Cal us today to schedule an appointment at 509-525-9111. |