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Language point

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(1) Researchers . . . used cavity-free teeth that were extracted because of tooth or gum disease.

(2) And don't rush to brush your teeth right after consuming a bottle or two of sports drinks, because that would exacerbate enamel damage.

'Because' is a very common word. It states the reason for something. For example, 'I want to see Constantine because I like Keanu Reeves.'

Take a look at (1) and (2): both use the word 'because', however, one is followed by 'of' while the other is not.

We use 'because of' when the reason that follows is a noun or noun phrase. In (1), the reason - tooth or gum disease - is a noun phrase.

When the reason that follows 'because' is a complete sentence, we simply use 'because', without 'of'. In (2), the reason is a complete sentence: 'that [rushing to brush your teeth right after consuming a bottle or two of sports drinks] would exacerbate enamel damage'.

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