Snacks
Everyday adults, children and everyone in between are faced with crucial decisions about what too eat or drink and when to do so. Eating habits that are linked to good oral health include eating fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. These foods contain less of the sugar which oral bacteria live on. Imagine, if you are always snacking on sugary foods, you are essentially creating a bacteria factory. These bacteria in turn are releasing acids as they consume the sugars that remain in your mouth after a snack. The acids produced by the bacteria destroy little bits of your enamel and eventually a cavity forms causing you pain and costing you money to fix.
By snacking right, drinking plenty of water, brushing twice a day, or even simply eating sugary foods only with a large meal you can reduce your risk of tooth decay and in return live a more satisfying comfortable life.
Tobacco
Tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless or chewing tobacco are not only addictive, but are also major factors in many oral health problems. The use of any of these products greatly increases the risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease. In addition to these major risks, they commonly cause oral discomfort in the form of hot/cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, and bad breath.
Braces
Braces are usually applied before or during the teen years for very good reasons. Before the teen years, the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth can be utilized in space management, as can the growth aspect of the bone around the teeth. During the teen years the permanent teeth can be moved to the proper position due to the bone being more pliable.
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