Numerous mouth-watering food has been served on the dinner table, especially during festivities acidic foods are served which are tasty but they create wreak havoc on the teeth. There are numerous types of foods that fall into this category.
1. Sugary candies and sweets that stay in your mouth:
Many different types of bacteria live in your mouth. Some Bacteria are useful to your dental health, But some are dangerous. The harmful bacteria produce acids whenever it comes in contact with or digests the sugar which is present in sweetened candies. The acid which is produced removes the calcium and phosphate minerals from the enamel layer (the outermost protective layer of the teeth). the harmful bacteria decreases the ph level. This process is called demineralization. A cavity is formed on the tooth surface and it affects the deeper parts of the tooth if left untreated, which leads to sensitivity and pain.
That food that sticks around- lollipops, candies, sweet chewing gums, jelly beans causes more acid production as it becomes difficult for saliva to wash off the sweet from the tooth surface. Be aware of the amount of sugar in your drinks by checking the nutrition label. Consider alternatives such as water, tea, coffee, and coconut water. Go for a low sugar diet and unsweetened food. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help rinse toxic acid off your teeth to help you protect tooth enamel. But be sure it’s sugarless! .Or else if you still can’t cope up restrict the consumption once daily and properly clean your teeth immediately after consuming these foods.
2. Starchy, refined carbohydrates:
Foods such as chips, potato fries, bread, pasta, or crackers consist of starch. Starch is a simple carbohydrate after being breakdown produces simple sugars which produce acid and lowers the ph of the mouth. This is harmful to the tooth enamel.
Also, potato fries, as fry in oil, increases acidity. Keep a check on the quantity you consume. After having a carb-rich diet rinse off your mouth with mouthwash or brush your teeth. You can switch to foods like cheese, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. As these foods are rich in calcium, the calcium sticks to the plaque biofilm on the teeth surface and helps prevention of tooth decay. Also, these foods increase the ph level hence decreasing the acidity which if favorable for oral health.
3. Carbonated drinks:
Very little do we know about carbonated drinks and their health effects. Also, some of us get attracted to the cans that have the word ‘diet’ over it. There have been many studies that say that they use methamphetamine and crack cocaine while manufacturing carbonated drinks. Moreover, such drinks enable the plaque to produce more acid which is harmful to the teeth. Plus it dries out your mouth which means less saliva production. Also, dark-colored drinks cause stains on your tooth surface. A note: Do not brush your teeth immediately after consuming such drinks, it can hasten the decay process. To resist the urge try drinking more water or coconut water.
4. Ice:
All it contains is water so it’s alright to consume it, right? No . chewing on a hard object can damage the tooth surface and can lead to dental emergencies like, chipped, fractured, cracked or broken tooth. Also, it loosens the crowns. Opt for chilled water without ice to control the urge.
5. Dried fruits:
Although dried fruits are a healthy snack, they are sticky anyways like raisins, prunes, apricots, figs to name a few. They clung to the tooth surface like in the crevices and the embrasure areas leaving behind lots of sugar. It is advisable to brush and floss the teeth after consumption. Either opt for a more fresh version of such fruits as they are less concentrated with sugar.
6. Citrus foods:
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are tasty as both fruits and juices and are packed with vitamin C. But their acid content can erode enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Even squeezing a lemon or lime into water adds acid to a drink. Plus, acid from the citrus can be bothersome to mouth sores. If you want to get a dose of their antioxidants and vitamins, eat and drink them in moderation at mealtime and rinse with water afterward.
7. Alcohol:
Alcohol as we all know isn’t healthy. Moreover, it dries out the mouth and decreases saliva production which is very important to rinse off all the food particles stuck on the tooth surface. If saliva is less in the mouth it can accelerate tooth decay. It even helps repair early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections. To help keep your mouth hydrated, drink plenty of water, and use fluoride rinses and oral hydration solutions.
So choose your food wisely! For optimal oral health, avoid foods that damage your teeth and visit Pathak dental clinic for more dietary advice to keep your teeth healthy.
Pathak Dental Clinic
Address: 11/11 Akurdi Chikhli Road, Near Dwarka Collection, Kasturi market, Sambhaji Nagar, Thermax Chowk, Below Nutan Jewellers, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 411019
