Foods That May Damage Your Teeth

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Your dental health is intricately linked to your diet. Just as the adage “you are what you eat” holds true for your overall well being, it is even more significant for your teeth and gums.

When you consume starchy or sugary foods you are not nourishing yourself but the microorganisms and bacteria residing in your mouth. These bacteria form a nearly imperceptible yet adhesive film (plaque), which blankets the surfaces of all your teeth. The moment sugars or starches come into contact with plaque, they trigger the formation of acidic substances which in turn, launch an assault on your teeth, post-meal. If this cycle persists, it can ultimately weaken and deteriorate the protective enamel covering your teeth, resulting in tooth decay, inflammation of the gums and the overall health of your teeth.

Caring for your dental health demands diligent attention. Certain foods pose a heightened risk to your teeth.

Read on to know which foods to cut back on for the sake of your teeth-

Soda, diet soda and sweetened beverages

Sugary beverages, including soda and energy drinks, have detrimental health effects, such as cardiovascular disease and weight gain, but their harmful effects extend to your dental health as well. These drinks can harm your teeth in two ways-

• The acidity and sugar content in these drinks fuel cavity-causing bacteria and erode your tooth enamel. Diet versions of these drinks can be more damaging due to the citric acid content.
• Frequent consumption of these beverages can lead to irreversible tooth damage and is linked to dental caries, making it crucial to limit or avoid them.

Sugar

Cake, candy, sweets, sugary breakfast cereals or pastries are laden with harmful sugars that can damage teeth and gums. Sugar fuels harmful oral bacteria, leading to acid production that erodes your tooth enamel. While natural sugars found in fruits and dairy don’t significantly contribute to cavities due to protective compounds present in them and increased salivary flow. However, added sugars like high fructose corn syrup and table sugar pose high cavity risk. Frequent consumption of added sugar is linked to increased cavities, inflamed gum tissue and gum disease. Rinsing your mouth and flossing after eating sugar can mitigate some of the harmful effects sugar has on your dental health.

Ice

Many people mistakenly believe that ice is tooth-friendly due to its water content and absence of sugar or additives, but breaking this habit is essential for maintaining oral health. While ice is just frozen water, chewing on it can have severe effects on your teeth. It can harm the enamel on your teeth and increase the risk of dental emergencies like a chipped or broken tooth. Instead of chewing ice, it’s better to use it for cooling down beverages. Enjoy cold water in its liquid form to safeguard your teeth and gums.

Refined carbs and starchy foods 

Refined carbs like white bread, white rice, pasta and starchy snacks like potato chips can harm your oral health by promoting cavity-causing acid production when bacteria present in your mouth ferments the sugars in these foods. Eating these foods has been linked to an increased risk of cavities, particularly when consumed between meals. Starchy foods, while not sugary in appearance, can have similar effects on your dental health as that of eating sugar. To protect your teeth, consider swapping out processed starches for nutrient-dense carb sources like whole fruits, sweet potatoes and whole grains. Regular dental care practices, including flossing and rinsing after meals, can further alleviate the risks associated with eating starchy foods.

Fruit juice, citrus fruits and fruit pops

Frequent consumption of 100% fruit juice, especially acidic fruits like grapes, orange, apple and lemon juice, can erode your tooth enamel and increase the risk of developing cavities. Acidic fruit-based ice pops are even more damaging to teeth than liquid juices as it combines the risk of eating ice along with that of consuming fruit juices. Prolonged exposure to acidic juices or ice pops can greatly harm your teeth. Citrus fruits, while healthy, contain enamel-weakening acids, so it’s advisable to limit your consumption of them and use a straw when drinking its juices. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after consuming citrus fruits and juices to protect your oral health. Do not brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods, like lemons as it can exacerbate enamel damage. Wait sometime and then brush your teeth.

Alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages, especially cocktails or specialty drinks with added sugar and acidic ingredients, can negatively impact your dental health. Drinking alcohol regularly poses a significant risk factor for oral cancer due to its impact on the mouth lining. Alcohol can also cause dry mouth, increase the acidity in your mouth, boost your cravings for processed foods, and alter the balance of your oral bacteria, potentially causing tooth damage. To maintain your oral health, moderately consume alcohol, if you must without added sugar and acidity, stay hydrated and use a fluoride rinse after.

Dried fruit

Tacky and dried fruits counteract saliva production making it cling to your teeth. This sugar concentration in dried fruits often provides sustenance for detrimental bacteria to harm your dental health. If you indulge in dried fruit, it’s advisable to floss and promptly rinse your mouth with water to dampen the negative effects it can have on your teeth.

Pickled foods 

Foods rich in vinegar possess high acidity levels that have the potential to erode your tooth enamel, lead to demineralization and stain your teeth. Given that vinegar plays a crucial role in pickled items, it is advisable to consume such foods in moderation. If you enjoy pickled foods, consider drinking ample water after to cleanse your mouth or pairing these foods with less acidic options to counteract their impact on your teeth.

Apple cider vinegar 

As mentioned earlier, vinegar’s high acidity can gradually erode your tooth enamel, increasing their vulnerability to harm and decay. In particular, undiluted apple cider vinegar has the potential to weaken your enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to damage and decay. To minimise these risks, it’s advisable to dilute apple cider vinegar if and when you do consume it.

Coffee and tea

Caffeine addiction is real and widespread. Many of us can’t function or start our days without a morning cup of Joe or garma-garam chai. Coffee or tea with added sugar can harm your teeth and gums while excessively consuming these caffeinated beverages can stain your teeth and even lead to dry mouth. Drinking water and minimising sugary add-ins is crucial if you’re a regular coffee or tea drinker.

Excessively sticky or hard foods

Hard foods, like chips, cookies and candies, can chip your teeth if it is too hard. Sticky candies, such as caramel, toffees and taffy, can pull out your dental fillings and increase the risk of dental erosion. When indulging in these foods opt for those that dissolve quickly in your mouth and with low sugar content.

Foods that are healthy for your teeth

Water

Fatty fish

Nuts and seeds

Calcium-rich dairy products

Vegetables, especially celery and leafy greens

Fruits, especially apples

Unsweetened green tea

The bottom line

To maintain excellent oral health and safeguard your teeth, it’s essential to limit or avoid foods and drinks that heighten the risk of cavities, gum disease and other dental issues. Prioritise a diet rich in wholesome, nutritious foods, coupled with effective regular dental care.

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