What we eat affects our entire body, including the condition of our teeth. Contrary to what you might think, the list of substances that are harmful to good dental hygiene does not stop at sweet products. In order to maintain a healthy mouth, find below the foods that are harmful to your teeth that you should limit or exclude from your consumption habits.
1. Sugar
Sugar, and more specifically sucrose, commonly associated with various foods, has a significant negative effect on dental health. It feeds bacteria, allowing them to multiply. This proliferation of bacteria results in the demineralization of teeth, which greatly increases the risk of developing cavities.
It is important to know that sugar is not only found in sweet products. Present under different names, carbohydrates are added to many compositions during the production process. For example, they are found in ketchup, bread, cold cuts and many ready-made meals.
Indeed, sugar is detrimental to general health and oral health. However, it is not the only ingredient that has harmful effects. There are other, lesser-known foods that should be avoided because they can damage your teeth. It is useful to identify them to be aware of their presence in your daily diet and thus limit their consumption.
2. Crunchy snacks
Snack products are generally known to be detrimental to maintaining a healthy weight. As it turns out, they are not without effect on your teeth either. It is not only their composition that is important, but also their consistency that generates a lot of food residue.
Snacks in the form of potato chips (especially salty or spicy ones) are not affected by carbohydrate content. However, they are mainly made of starch. Starch breaks down into sugars when it comes into contact with the enzymes in saliva. As mentioned above, carbohydrates promote the growth of bacteria that weaken tooth enamel and can cause cavities.
Crunchy snacks tend to stick to the teeth. As they are crushed during chewing, they release tiny particles that stick in the interdental spaces (between the teeth or under the gum). These residues form ideal conditions for the multiplication of microorganisms and the formation of dental plaque.
3. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Their nutritional qualities are well known, but what about our teeth? The large quantities of acids they contain lead to erosion of the enamel and demineralization. Regular contact with acidic substances makes the enamel more fragile and more likely to discolor. It can also cause tooth sensitivity problems.
Of course, this does not mean that you should exclude citrus fruits from your diet. You can do a few simple things to protect your teeth from the action of acids. For example, after eating citrus fruit, remember to rinse your mouth with plain water. This considerably reduces the risk of discoloration. It is also advisable to brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating citrus fruit. Brushing without waiting could actually help the acids penetrate the enamel. It’s best to give saliva time to do its job. This way, you limit your teeth’s exposure to the danger of acid residue.
4. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol regularly is bad for your oral health. It significantly reduces saliva secretion. Saliva is a protective substance for your mouth and contains substances that preserve and regenerate the mucous membranes. Therefore, a reduced amount of saliva decreases its efficiency and increases the risk of cavities, infections and inflammations. The consequences of alcohol on dental hygiene depend on the extent of its consumption.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to ulcerations, dental erosions, infections and inflammations. If alcohol abuse is long-standing, the risk of oral cancer is also increased. Again, alcohols with a high sugar content damage the teeth and cause oral problems. Regardless of the type of alcohol consumed, its acidic pH does not match that of your mouth, which is diminished. Regular consumption negatively affects the enamel and has an impact on the development of cavities.
Looking for help?
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Located in a convenient location across from Fairview Mall in North York, Ontario, they provide free parking that is easily accessible by public transit. Their broad range of services includes Root Canal Therapy, TMJ Treatment, Laser Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, White Fillings, and Zoom In-Office Whitening. Their goal is to help you feel more confident and elegant with your smile. Call them for more information!
