Delivering oral health services to patients near Rockville, Maryland, Ophir Alalouf, DDS, is a pediatric dentist who helps families ensure that their children’s teeth remain healthy. One important oral health aspect emphasized by Dr. Ophir Alalouf is good nutrition and its role in preventing tooth decay.

1. Ophir Alalouf

2. Introduction
 Delivering oral health services to patients near Rockville, Maryland, Ophir Alalouf, DDS,
is a pediatric dentist who helps families ensure that their children’s teeth remain healthy.
One important oral health aspect emphasized by Dr. Ophir Alalouf is good nutrition and
its role in preventing tooth decay.
Parents can model good oral health habits for their children. Obvious habits include
regular brushing and flossing, but the quality of a child’s diet can also aid in the
development of strong teeth and gums.
For example, researchers have found that foods with high sugar and carbohydrate
content give rise to tooth decay. The mechanism through which they promote tooth
decay has to do with the interaction between these molecules and tooth enamel.
The longer sugars and carbohydrates “stick” to the teeth, the more opportunity they have
to form plaque acids that break down the enamel. This process in turn leads to cavity
formation.
Problematic foods include cakes, fruit juice, and potato chips. Parents can substitute
these unhealthy snacks with healthy alternatives like cheddar cheese and vegetables.