Diet and Your Teeth:
Eating the right food is vital in order to achieve good overall health and well being. Many people however are not aware that their diet can be linked to dental problems.
Food and Dental Problems:
The liquids we drink and the food we consume do have a direct link on the health of our teeth. As soon as food or drinks are consumed the teeth and gums are instantly attacked by acids. Sugary snacks are one of the worst foods that may cause dental decay. The sugar will react strongly with bacteria found in plaque and will stick to the teeth. The so called acid attacks can last for up to an hour after eating but will be dissolved by the saliva.This is the natural process within our mouth.
Foods and Dental Erosion:
There are a wide variety of foods and drinks that will cause major erosion to the teeth. Acid in food causes decay, and some types of foods or drinks that we perceive to be healthy actually contains enough acid to cause tooth erosion. Fruits such as bananas, grapefruits, blueberries and cranberries are all acidic fruits however nobody eats these foods all day long. As a reminder remember that food packaging which states there is “no added sugar” does not mean that there will not be sugar already contained in the food. Please read the label.
Fruit Based Diets:
Thinking that eating only raw fruit would be a very healthy diet but in fact eating only raw fruit can cause dental problems. The reason why these problems occur is that raw fruit alone will not provide the body with enough calcium and magnesium. The body needs a proper balanced diet of minerals in order to maintain healthy teeth and bones.
Diets High In Salt:
A diet that is high in salt (sodium) could also cause dental problems. Salt will help the body to eliminate potassium and calcium; these are important needed minerals. If you have a diet that only includes foods such as sea vegetables or others which are high in sodium, then you could be losing calcium. Always balance your diet.
Starchy Foods:
Foods that are high in starch may be fueling dental problems. Bread, chips and pasta are just a few of the foods that are high in Carbohydrates; in other words these carbohydrates are converted within you body into sugar. However, starchy food can be high in nutrients, which is essential for healthy gums and teeth; in moderation you basically can eat everything. It is important to make sure that these types of foods do not sit on the teeth and gums for a long time, drink a glass of water during and after your meal to rinse the food away from your gums and teeth.
Food and Bad Breath:
Perhaps one of the most embarrassing oral problems is bad breath. Bad breath occurs when food gets stuck between the teeth and begins to erode. With the beginning of the erosion bacteria will work its way in and may cause problems that only a dentist can fix. Bad breath can be easily eradicated with a twice a day brushing and flossing routine. Mouthwash, mask the problem and will not get rid of the plaque.
Can Food and Drinks Cause Erosion?
Acidic food and drinks can cause decay and erosion Listed below you will find the ‘pH values’ of some food and drinks. The lower the pH number; the more acidic the product. Anything with a pH value lower than 5.5 may cause tooth decay. ‘Alkaline foods and drinks’ with a high pH number neutralize the acid effects of sugars. PH 7 is the middle figure between acid and alkaline.
- mineral water (still) pH 7.6
- milk pH 6.9
- cheddar cheese pH 5.9
- beer/lager pH 4.4
- orange juice pH 3.8
- grapefruit pH 3.3
- pickles pH 3.2
- cola pH 2.5
- red wine pH 2.5
- vinegar pH 2.0
Should I Brush My Teeth After Every Meal?
It is important that you brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. The best times are before breakfast and at night before you go to bed.
Eating and drinking naturally weakens the enamel on your teeth, and brushing straight afterwards may cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. It is best not to brush your teeth until at least one hour after eating so that the saliva has time to neutralize the acid. Most important is that you brush your teeth before bedtime since the saliva (the mouths own cleaning system) is slowing down while you sleep and leaves the teeth more at risk for decay.
Does Chewing Gum Help?
While Chewing gum your mouth is producing more saliva, which helps to cancel out the acid after eating or drinking. It has been proven that using sugar-free chewing gum after meals can prevent tooth decay. Please use sugar free gums only.
