Hippocrates taught that what we eat should be our medicine. Over the years, you learn that you are what you eat. Therefore, it is impossible to overemphasise the importance of monitoring what you eat.
The effects of a wrong diet almost begin at the mouth. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention points out that a dental cavity is the most prevalent chronic disease among children and teens. It also states that nine in every ten adults have a tooth-root decay to some extent. Dental care providers such as Pure Dentistry also have a specialised section for children. Clinics which have this special section are usually more prominent and experienced within the teeth of youths – a fact that can be good to have in mind.
Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and regular visit to dental specialists are excellent preventive measures against dental diseases. However, for better results, stay away from foods that work against your teeth. Certain foods work against your teeth in several ways, such as:
Enamel Erosion
Acidic foods erode the enamel, which is the white protective coating of the teeth. Removing the protective coating begins the demineralisation process of the tooth, which makes it weak and prone to cavities.
Avoid foods with high acid content such as sour candies, pickles, coffee, and alcohol. Take acidic fruits such as citric with water to reduce their effects. Also, do not brush your teeth immediately after taking an acidic drink.
Plaque
It is a bacteria-filled film on the teeth that often leads to dental decays and gum disease. Sugary, sticky foods are the leading causes of plaques. The gummy paste-like substance that forms when bread mixes with saliva also stick in tooth traps and start the development of plaques and dental cavities. Dried fruits are some of the other foods to avoid.
Dried Mouth
Saliva plays a vital role in safeguarding the teeth by neutralising an acidic environment in the mouth. It also washes away food from the mouth and helps in preventing food from sticking on teeth and tooth gaps.
Certain drinks such as alcohol and coffee lead to a dry mouth as they inhibit the production of saliva. Drink a lot of water, use fluoride rinses and other oral hydration solutions to minimise these effects.
Chipping
Chewing hard substances might be fun, but they can damage the enamel and chip the teeth. Sometimes they lead to a cracked or broken tooth. Next time you feel the urge to eat up the ice, remember water is best taken in liquid form.
Good Food for Your Teeth
Fortunately, not every food is bad for your dental health. Milk, for example, has a high calcium content, which is good for strengthening the teeth. It also has low sugar and proteins. Other lean proteins for healthy teeth are poultry, fish, and eggs.
Other food groups that are beneficial is fruits and vegetables which are high in water and fibre content that helps balance their sugar level. Chewing fruits also stimulates the production of saliva. Furthermore, nuts are low in carbohydrates and are rich in essential minerals. Chewing nuts strengthens the jaws and increases saliva production. Having said all of this, the bottom line to take with you is that it is possible to eat healthy foods without compromising your dental health.
