One of the first features we notice at Frederick Cosmetic and Family Dentistry when we meet someone for the first time is their smile. To maintain a healthy and youthful smile, it is important to eat a healthy diet. If you eat foods that are high in sugar content, you will develop cavities and increase your risk of developing gum disease. The frequency of exposing your teeth to these sugary foods is also a factor in causing cavities. If you drink lots of carbonated beverages like sodas or bottled juices your tooth enamel can erode and become a cavity.  Choose a well balanced diet that includes 6-8 glasses of water/day. Limit your consumption of candy and sugar containing foods. Avoid foods that stick to your teeth and dissolve slowly because they will be more likely to produce cavities.  Brush and floss at least twice daily and consider adding a mouth wash, like Listerine, Crest Pro Health, or ACT to your routine. Visit your dentist, Dr. Suzanne Fohl   for a general dental check-up biannually or more often depending on the condition of your teeth and gums.