The old adage says, “You are what you eat”. To a certain extent, our teeth are what we eat too! Some foods tend to improve oral health, while others can make it worse. To understand the concept of “good” and “bad” food with respect to oral hygiene, we need to first have an understanding of how tooth decay occurs.
Even if we brush your teeth diligently, various microscopic bacteria still live naturally in our mouths. As we eat, the bacteria feed off the sugars from the food remnants and turn them into acid. This in turn corrodes the enamel on the teeth surface and causes decays over time.
Having understood this, let us take a closer look at how various food can affect our teeth:
THE GOOD
Strengthening your enamel – Milk, cheese and meat contains large amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which are key ingredients used to rebuild tooth enamel. Nuts and seeds also typically contain natural fats, which can form a protective coating on the teeth to shield it away from bacteria.
Chew on it – As we munch on crisp vegetables such as raw carrots and celery, they break dow into small bits that act as natural ‘sponges’ that scrape away dental plaque on the tooth surface.
Water it down – Firm foods such as vegetables, pears and apples require more chewing, and thus stimulate saliva production. Typically, these foods also come with high water content. Both saliva and water dilute the food acids and reduce corrosion. Naturally, drinking lots of water (particularly fluoridated water) also works wonders!
Go sugarless – If you crave for sweetness, consider sugar substitutes. They taste sweet but are not sugar-based, and are thus not nourishing for bacteria. Some examples include saccharin, aspartame (also known as Equal) and sucralose (also known as Splenda).
Get your vitamins – Vitamin-C, which is present in large amounts in melons, berries and citrus fruits, inhibits bacterial growth and helps to prevent gingivitis and gum diseases.
THE BAD
Sugar, sugar, sugar – Sugar is certainly among the chief culprits of tooth decay as it is the primary fuel for acid producing bacteria. It is present in large amounts in processed foods, such as candies, cookies, cakes, ice-creams and canned-fruit syrups. Sugar can also take a disguise in the form of carbohydrates, as found in bread, fries and potato chips.
Acidic drinks – Soft drinks, orange juice and lemonade are acidic, and can thus directly attack the tooth surface, resulting in increased sensitivity and tooth-softening. If drank in between meals, the impact is worse as these acids can linger around for much longer before being diluted away by saliva.
CONCLUSION
As foods have a direct impact on our oral health, it is certainly important to be mindful of how food choices affect our oral health. Naturally, healthy eating habits should be complemented by hygiene routines such as brushing and flossing.
Ultimately, our teeth are for life, and it is only our responsibility to take the very best care of them. With Christmas just around the corner, make sure to eat, drink and be merry!
