Do you know the food we eat affects our oral health? The sugar in the food we eat creates an environment where decay-causing bacteria can flourish. When the bacteria in the mouth break down sugars, it releases acid that can erode tooth enamel.
Acidic foods can also be damaging to the teeth by eroding tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth that helps protect it. When it wears away, the teeth’s inner dentin layer is exposed. Dentine is softer than enamel and is more porous. Tooth enamel can regenerate, but dentin cannot. Once enamel is lost, it is gone forever.
Here is a list of foods and beverages that are the main offenders for oral health:
Soft drinks are known for their high sugar content, and this makes them very damaging to your teeth. Soft drinks are high in phosphoric acid, which is highly corrosive to tooth enamel.
The acid in soft drinks can also erode tooth enamel, creating small holes in the surface of the teeth. These holes can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to cavities.
Sports drinks are a common go-to for athletes and gym goers, but they aren’t the best option for your oral health. Unfortunately, most sports drinks are packed full of sugar, which can damage your teeth. Besides, sports drinks have also been shown to cause enamel erosion, leaving teeth vulnerable to sensitivity and cavities.
Instead of drinking sports drinks, try to drink water after your exercise sessions.
Most candy is sticky and stays in your mouth for a long time. Unfortunately, the longer candy stays in your mouth, the greater your risk for tooth decay. Sticky candy also puts your dental restorations at risk of damage. If you must eat candy, try to eat it quickly and rinse your mouth with water, milk, or mouthwash afterward.
Wine is a drink that can have negative effects on your oral health. While in moderation, wine may be good for your teeth, drinking too much wine can cause a dry mouth. A dry mouth is caused when the salivary glands are not able to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist.
Coffee may be delicious, but it comes with a few major dental drawbacks. Coffee stains your teeth, which can make them look yellow or brown. Coffee also causes dehydration. Drinking too much coffee also means the body isn’t getting enough water, and this can have a detrimental effect on your teeth and gums.
Ice is one of the worst things you can consume for your teeth. The cold temperature can crack or chip teeth, and chewing on ice can wear down the enamel.
Smoking and chewing tobacco are both extremely bad for your oral and overall health. Both tobacco and nicotine cause tooth discoloration and decay. Smoking also causes gum disease, mouth cancers, and bad breath.
Dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, and figs are sticky, so they tend to cling to teeth and can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion.
To find out more about the dental services we offer at DTLA Smile, Los Angeles, CA, call (213) 688-2828 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist Los Angeles, CA at 104 West 7th St, #2 Los Angeles, CA, 90014.
0 comments