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Benefits Of A Healthy Diet Essay

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Today 's economy is in tough shape. As a result, many Malden residents have lost their income and their dental insurance. Soon, courtesy of Massachusetts lawmakers, MassHealth will only cover adults for dental cleaning, exams, x-rays and extractions. At the same time, physicians, insurance companies and the public understand that oral health is closely linked to physical health. It is more important to maintain oral health now than ever. Fortunately, there are many inexpensive techniques to keep teeth healthy and prevent expensive dental set backs. Start with a healthy diet. Soda is very acidic. So acidic that even diet soda will cause tooth decay. Keep soda and sweetened drinks to a minimum, not more than one or two glasses of soda in a week. Do not drink milk or eat snacks at night after brushing. Only eat sticky sweets close to meal times. Remember that processed fruit snacks including Fruit Roll-ups and Fruit by the Foot are not healthy snacks; fruit snacks are candy wearing a healthy looking package. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that forms on teeth within a few hours of cleaning. Plaque becomes calculus or tartar when left alone. Bacteria in plaque causes cavities and gum disease. Remove plaque at least twice a day by brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and gum disease and to save money. Brush teeth two or three times per day. Always use a soft brush. Fluoride toothpaste is helpful, but the mechanical action of brushing is more important than any toothpaste or
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