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How Dietary Habits Affect Our Teeth

2021 March 16
by admin

What we eat and drink can have a significant impact on the health of our teeth and gums

Ask most people what the worst food for our teeth is and the vast majority will say ‘sugar’. This is largely true, but it also ignores the impact that other foods can have as well; often foods that we might not even consider to be harmful, and indeed may even think of them as being healthy.

In today’s Alexandra Dental Care blog, we will take a brief look at a few types of food and how these might affect the oral health of our Burton and Ashby patients.

Sugars – Let’s get this one out of the way first. We know that sugar is bad for our teeth but why? The fact is that sugars provide an excellent food source for bacteria which break them down to produce acids which then erode the enamel of our teeth; leading to gum disease and decay. Whilst some foods quite obviously contain sugars, such as sweets and cakes, it is also often hidden in many savoury products as well.

Fruit – Fruit is widely considered to be one of those things that are nothing but healthy and something that we should eat a lot more of. Whilst this might be true, it is also worth remembering that these contain a natural type of sugar, especially in the case of citric fruits such as oranges and lemons. These are also quite acidic and can damage the enamel of our teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and sensitive teeth. Fruit is good for us but is best eaten in moderation.

Wholefoods – Again, a healthy food that can cause problems for our teeth. It is far from unusual for us to see teeth that have been chipped or cracked through biting unexpectedly into a hard grain in a wholemeal loaf of bread or a bowl of muesli. Even worse, occasionally, a small stone from the milling process may find its way into the product and if it comes into contact with your teeth when you bite, your teeth are very likely to suffer damage. Don’t avoid these foods but please be aware when you do.

Dairy products – Again, milk and the like can contain sugars in the form of lactose, but dairy does offer some benefits as well. It is a good source of calcium which along with other vitamins and minerals is an essential building block for strong and healthy teeth. Cheese also is a very healthy food for our teeth. Not only does it contain calcium, but eaten at the end of a meal, it will help to neutralise the acidity in the mouth which can be damaging to our teeth.

Recreational drinks – We have included both alcoholic and soft drinks in this category as both can be harmful to our teeth and gums, and our oral cavity in general. Many soft drinks contain large quantities of sugar and can also be very acidic. As these usually pass directly over the teeth, the risk of damage from decay is high. Whilst many alcoholic drinks also contain sugar, the real risk here is of a dry mouth caused by alcoholic consumption. This dry mouth is likely to lead to an increase in the number of bacteria which can then lead to gum disease. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk of oral cancer.

Vegetables – Vegetables are generally good for your teeth, providing important vitamins and minerals. Crunchier vegetables such as raw carrots can also help to clean your teeth as well. Try to eat a good range of these but remember that adding them to a sauce that contains sugar will negate some of the benefits that they offer.

Water – Water is essential to life and plays an important role in having a healthy mouth. Drinking water will not only wash away some food particles that become stuck in the teeth, but will also help to produce a good flow of saliva that will fulfil a similar role and also help to manage the bacteria in your mouth. If you feel thirsty, and preferably before that stage, reach for a drink of water and not a sugary carbonated drink; it is much better for you.

Whatever you eat and drink, you still need to make sure that you are seen regularly by your local dentist. If you live in Burton or Ashby, we are always happy to see you! You can make an appointment to see us by calling Alexandra Dental Care on 01283 216347 and our local team will be pleased to help.

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