When it comes to tooth decay, plaque is always the enemy. Plaque is a bacteria-filled film the settles over teeth and greatly speeds up tooth decay, especially after meals. If plaque is left unaddressed, it can harden and turn into tartar which can lead to gum disease.
At King Street Dental, we know that good dental health requires a good oral care routine, as well as a clean diet. The food we eat comes into direct contact with our teeth repeatedly and can either damage or benefit them, depending on the choices we make. Here are some foods that must absolutely be avoided by those who are serious about their oral health.
Sour Candies
By now, we’ve all been told that candy is bad for your teeth. However, sour candies in particular contain a variety of different acids which are very harsh on teeth. Their chewy texture makes them particularly difficult to chew, making them stick in hard-to-reach places where the combination of sugars and acids can accelerate tooth decay.
Bread
Yes, bread. A food we all love and consume without a second thought. While we’re not suggesting you stop eating bread, it helps to understand how it affects our teeth and what we can do about this. When you chew bread, the saliva in your mouth breaks the starches down into sugars which stick easily in all parts of the mouth. We recommend you enjoy your morning toast, but follow it up with some light brushing afterwards to clean away that layer of broken down starch.
Alcohol
Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on your body. It also causes the mouth to dry out quickly by inhibiting saliva production. Saliva has a variety of different functions in the mouth. It prevents food from sticking to teeth, washes away food particles and helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. It naturally protects against infections and can also repair early signs of tooth decay. When there is a lack of saliva, bad bacteria multiply much faster.
Carbonated Drinks
We know that carbonated drinks often contain staggering amounts of sugar. What most people don’t know is that to balance out the sweetness of the sugar, fizzy drinks also contain large volumes of acids. Fizzy drinks instantly create a sticky layer on top of the teeth which is full of sugar, acid and other chemicals which dry out the mouth and create plaque and stain teeth over short periods of time. Be careful not to brush your teeth immediately after drinking sweet, carbonated drinks as this can cause more damage to tooth enamel.
Dental Checkups for The Whole Family
King Street Dental is an emergency dentist and general dentistry clinic with strong roots in the community. We believe that keeping your teeth healthy is about living a lifestyle that benefits, rather than harms your oral health. Save on dental fees and reduce visits to the dentist by opting for a clean lifestyle. Contact us today to book your yearly dental check-up.