Is Your Diet Damaging Your Teeth?

A simple answer to this question is, “Yes, it can be true.” If it’s true that what you eat determines who you are, this is much truer for the gums and teeth. You are not simply fueling yourself when you drink and consume starchy or sugary foods. You’re also feeding the bacteria in your mouth that can induce dental problems. What makes a food “bad” is the ability of oral bacteria to convert that food into acid. The sugars produce acid in the food we eat, and this acid ultimately destroys tooth enamel and results in cavities.

Foods that are often sticky and sweet are detrimental to one’s dental health. That’s because sticky foods tend to “stick” and stay on the teeth more, providing an increased opportunity for germs to run amok.

Acidic meals are likewise a bad option since they can erode the tooth enamel. Foods and beverages that are acidic and sweet (such as soda pop) wreak havoc on teeth.

While some foods are not necessarily unhealthy, such as dried fruits, they can still damage your teeth. This is why doctors recommend brushing your teeth, flossing your teeth, and rinsing your mouth after eating to help avoid cavities.

Should I clean my teeth immediately following every meal?

It is critical to brush your teeth last thing at night and at least once more throughout the day using fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Consuming and drinking sugary and acidic foods and beverages naturally erodes the enamel of your teeth. Brushing immediately afterward might result in the removal of minute particles of enamel. It is preferable to wait at least one hour after eating before brushing your teeth.

Brushing is very critical before bed. This is because the saliva flow, the mouth’s natural cleaning mechanism, slows down at night, leaving the mouth more susceptible to decay.

Children under the age of three should use a toothpaste containing at least 1000ppm fluoride (parts per million). Three-year-olds through adults should use toothpaste with a fluoride content of 1350ppm to 1500ppm.

Why maintaining a healthy diet is critical for my dental health?

Each time you eat or drink something sweet, your teeth are subjected to an hour-long acid attack. This is because sugar reacts with bacteria found in plaque (the sticky covering on your teeth) to form damaging acids. Thus, it is critical to consume sugary meals and beverages only at mealtimes, decreasing the time your mouth is in danger.

Foods and beverages that are acidic can be just as damaging. The acid ‘erodes’ or dissolves the enamel, revealing the underlying dentine. This might irritate your teeth and make them more sensitive. Since underlying dentine is naturally yellow, it may also make your teeth appear stained. 523795893

A diet high in vitamins and minerals and fresh fruits and vegetables can help avoid gum disease. Gum disease can result in tooth loss and odor.

Conclusion:

From a dental standpoint, the factors affecting oral health include changes in the bacterial environment and food. Brushing your teeth and interdental cleaning (such as flossing) should occur concurrently – so make sure you do both. This will help in maintaining good oral health.

References:

Honório, H. M., Rios, D., Júnior, E. S. P., de Oliveira, D. S. B., Fior, F. A., & Buzalaf, M. A. R. (2010). Effect of acidic challenge preceded by food consumption on enamel erosion. European Journal of Dentistry, 4(4), 412–417. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2948745/

Manaf, Z. A., Lee, M. T., Ali, N. H. M., Samynathan, S., Jie, Y. P., Ismail, N. H., Bibiana Hui Ying, Y., Wei Seng, Y., & Yahya, N. A. (2012). Relationship between food habits and tooth erosion occurrence in Malaysian University students. The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS, 19(2), 56–66. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3431744/