The fibrous food stimulates the salivary glands to produce more that can neutralize the acidity in the mouth and prevent cavities, "Ratu said at the 2017 National Dental Health Month (2017) news conference here on Tuesday.
He explained the salivary glands or saliva would be produced more if the chewing motion in the jaw is also done more. Read: Snacks Are Important for Diet, When Does It Time to Enjoy It?
Queen explained the cause of decreased levels of acidity in the mouth can be caused by the consumption of foods that contain lots of carbohydrates and sugars sticky texture. The low degree of acidity in the mouth, ie below the critical pH of 5.5 can dissolve the enamel layer of the tooth.
"Consuming a snack that contains too much carbohydrate and sugar, especially sticky ones can lower the acidity of the mouth.After the consumption of sweet foods, the degree of mouth acidity drops below the critical pH of 5.5 in minutes, and remains low for up to an hour," said the Queen.
When these conditions occur continuously, or the frequency of consumption of sweet and sticky foods more often, will lead to loss of mineral in the tooth and result in the occurrence of cavities. Read: Polygamy Applications, Legal Battles and Temptations
This condition is also more dangerous if it occurs in children. Queen explained milk teeth in children very quickly experience caries and tooth decay process to porous also very fast.
To help neutralize the acidity level in the mouth, Queen advised to consume snacks to stimulate the production of salivary glands.
"The recommended fiber foods because eating vegetables is very stimulating salivary glands until the degree of acidity to be neutral," he said.