Tooth decay is a common dental problem that occurs when the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode your tooth enamel. While brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help prevent tooth decay, your diet also plays a critical role in maintaining optimal oral health. Some foods are particularly bad for your teeth and can make your tooth decay worse. In this article, we’ll look at seven such foods to be wary of.
Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices are among the worst culprits when it comes to tooth decay. These drinks contain high levels of sugar that react with the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that erode your tooth enamel. The acid also weakens your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. If you can’t give up sugary drinks altogether, try to drink them through a straw to minimise their contact with your teeth.
Candy and Sweets
Candy and sweets are also high in sugar, making them another significant cause of tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar in these treats, producing acids that erode your tooth enamel. If you can’t resist indulging in candy and sweets, try to brush your teeth after eating them to minimise their effects on your teeth.
Starchy Foods
Starchy foods such as bread, pasta, and potato chips are also a significant contributor to tooth decay. When you eat these foods, they break down into simple sugars in your mouth, which the bacteria in your mouth feed on, producing acids that erode your tooth enamel. Try to limit your intake of starchy foods and brush your teeth after eating them to minimise their effects on your teeth.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, vinegar, and pickles can also make your tooth decay worse. These foods contain acid that can erode your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. If you enjoy acidic foods, try to consume them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water after eating them to minimise their effects on your teeth.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits such as raisins and apricots are often touted as a healthy snack option. However, they are also high in sugar and can contribute to tooth decay. Dried fruits are sticky, and they tend to stick to your teeth, giving the bacteria in your mouth more time to produce acids that erode your tooth enamel. If you enjoy dried fruits, try to brush your teeth as quickly as is reasonably possible after eating them to ease their effects on your teeth.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not only bad for your liver but also your teeth. Alcohol is acidic, and excessive alcohol consumption can erode your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. If you enjoy alcohol, try to consume it in moderation, and rinse your mouth with water after drinking it to reduce its effects on your teeth.
Ice
Chewing on ice may seem harmless, but it can actually damage your teeth. Ice is hard and can cause microscopic cracks in your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. If you enjoy chewing on ice, try to break the habit. Chewing gum is one alternative.
Show them pearly whites!
Tooth decay is a preventable dental problem, and your diet plays a significant role in maintaining optimal oral health. By avoiding or minimising your intake of sugary drinks, candy, starchy foods, acidic foods, dried fruits, alcohol, and ice, you can reduce your risk of tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular dental check-ups to maintain optimal oral health. You can also ask your dentist about duraphat 5000 toothpaste, a high fluoride toothpaste.
