It's been said that you are what you consume. And there's no better place to see it than in your teeth. This is because a variety of foods and beverages can create plaque, which can cause significant harm to your teeth. Plaque is indeed a sticky, bacteria-filled film that causes gum disease and tooth decay. Sugars cause bacteria to release acids that attack tooth enamel when you eat a sugary snack or meal. Cavities can develop as the enamel breaks down.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source, cavities are the most common chronic disease among six to 19 years old. They can result in difficulties such as pain, difficulty biting, and abscesses in the teeth. The plaque will harden and turn into tartar if you don't brush or floss your teeth. Gingivitis, or gum disease in its early stages, can be caused by tartar above the gums.
What can you do to keep plaque from wreaking havoc on your mouth? Try to avoid or limit the items listed below, in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day and seeing a dentist regularly.
It's not a surprise that candy is bad for your teeth. However, sour candy includes more and different acids, which are tougher on your teeth. Furthermore, because they're chewy, they stick to your teeth for a more extended period, increasing the risk of decay. If you require something sweet, try a square of chocolate, which you can chew fast and easily wash away.
When you're walking down the store bread aisle, think twice. The carbohydrates in bread are broken down into sugar by saliva when you eat it. The bread has been turned into a gummy paste-like substance that sticks to the gaps between teeth. Cavities can result from this. When you're craving carbs, go for whole wheat or other less-refined varieties. These have fewer added sugars and are more difficult to break down.
We all know that consuming alcohol isn't good for you. But did you know that drinking causes your mouth to dry out? Saliva is needed to keep our teeth healthy, and a dry mouth lacks it. Saliva wipes away food particles and keeps food from sticking to your teeth. It even helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral diseases in their early stages. Drink plenty of water and utilize fluoride rinses and oral hydration treatments to keep your mouth moisturized.
We all know that even if a can of soda or pop is labelled "diet," there is little to no nutritional value in drinking it. According to a recent study, consuming vast amounts of carbonated soda can be just as bad for your teeth as using methamphetamine or crack cocaine. Carbonated sodas increase the amount of acid produced by plaque, which attacks tooth enamel. Thus, if you drink soda continuously throughout the day, you effectively coat your teeth in acid. It also dries up your mouth, resulting in less saliva. Finally, dark-coloured beverages have the potential to discolour or stain your teeth. A note of warning: don't brush your teeth right after drinking a soda; this can hasten decay.
It's just water; therefore, chewing ice is okay, right? According to the American Dental Association, this is not the case. Chewing on a complex item damages enamel, putting you at risk for dental problems, including chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, as well as loosened crowns. Ice can be used to chill beverages, but it should not be chewed. To fight the impulse, sip cooled water or non-iced liquids.
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are high in vitamin C and delicious as both fruits and liquids. However, the acid in these drinks can destroy the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Even squeezing a lemon or lime into the water makes a drink more acidic. Furthermore, citrus acid might irritate mouth sores. If you want a boost of antioxidants and vitamins, eat and drink them in moderation at lunchtime and then rinse with water.
For many of us, the crunch of a potato chip is eternally satisfying. Unfortunately, they're high in starch, which converts to sugar and becomes trapped in and between the teeth, feeding plaque bacteria. The acid produced by the chips lingers and lasts a long time because we rarely have just one—floss to remove the trapped particles after you've eaten a bag.
Dried fruits are probably regarded as a healthful snack. That may be true, yet many dried fruits are sticky, including apricots, prunes, figs, and raisins, to mention a few. They become stuck and cling to the teeth and crevices, leaving much sugar behind. If you enjoy dried fruits, be sure to rinse your mouth with water before brushing and flossing. It's also better to consume the fresh versions instead of the canned ones because they're less sugary!
