Ever wondered how food choices might be affecting our oral health? The truth is, if we are staunch on taking care of our teeth, regular brushing and flossing alone cannot help. What we eat also largely matters. Every time we indulge in our favourite candy, cookies, or even that favourite soda, we are exposing our teeth to harm. While it may satisfy our cravings, it may also invite dental decay and cavities.
According to Dr. Varinder Goyal, Professor and Chair, Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Guru Nanak Dev Dental College on behalf of Colgate, keep reading to learn about the list of foods that cause tooth decay and are less than friendly to our teeth.
“We may also understand why these are bad foods for teeth and should be avoided. Knowing which snacks are bad for our teeth is important, as it can help us keep our overall health and oral health intact,” Dr. Goyal told Financial Express.com.
Sugary and Sticky Snacks: The Sweet Danger
Among the top foods that cause tooth decay are sugary and sticky snacks. Candies, canned fruit juices, or chocolates can often be tempting to eat, but it is important to understand why they pose a threat.
While they are tasty, here is why they are harmful. Sugary and sticky snacks may stay stuck to teeth for a long time, providing a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria in our mouths. These bacteria causes cavities and tooth decay by feeding on sugars and, in turn, produce acids that can attack tooth enamel, Dr. Goyal highlighted.
To protect our teeth, be mindful of how often we consume sugary and sticky snacks. If eating them, be sure to brush teeth afterward or rinse with water to reduce the impact they may have on our dental health.
Acidic Foods: A Threat to Enamel
Enjoying a glass of lemonade or a tangy tomato salad might be refreshing, but these foods are acidic and can cause harm to our tooth enamel. Dr. Goyal said that prolonged consumption of acidic foods leads to the wearing down of the enamel layer and exposes the teeth to problems like tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and tooth decay.
“While these foods that cause cavities can offer nutritional benefits, their acidic nature can be taken into careful consideration if we are serious about oral health.
Citrus fruits and juices are also known to irritate mouth sores, if having any. What can be done is to add acidic foods to meals rather than eating them alone throughout the day,” he said.
Also, make sure to drink plenty of water after consuming them.
Carbonated Beverages: Skip the Soda
For many of us, carbonated beverages like soda are a go-to refreshment. However, these drinks can have adverse effects on our overall health. When it comes to dental health, drinking carbonated drinks can often raise concerns, Dr. Goyal explained.
Firstly, sodas contain sugar, which feeds bacteria in our mouth, leading to plaque formation and, eventually, tooth decay. Secondly, sodas are acidic, which means they can demineralize or wear down tooth enamel over time.
The best choice is to replace carbonated drinks with plain water. If consuming soft drinks, try to drink a cup of water alongside them. Water not only hydrates but also helps wash away food particles and acids that can harm the tooth enamel.
All Dried Fruits are Not Tooth-friendly
While many pick dried fruits as a healthy snack, it may not be a good choice for our oral health. Dried fruits like raisins, prunes, and figs are gummy. “They can damage our teeth since they tend to stay stuck on our teeth longer than other types of food. Since they are also concentrated forms of natural sugar, they are one of the foods that cause tooth decay,” Dr. Goyal told Financial Express.com.
If craving for fruits, grab fresh fruits like apples or a handful of grapes instead of dried fruits, as they contain water and fibre that help cleanse teeth. However, if consuming dried fruits, make sure to rinse the mouth with water afterwards and brush and floss carefully, he explained.
Starchy Snacks: Beware of Refined Sugars
Feeling sleepy, and the first thing we grab is a bag of potato chips! However, snacking on refined carbs like white bread, white rice, and certain starchy foods, such as potato chips, may harm our oral health.
“The bacteria in our mouth can quickly turn the sugars in these foods into acid, which can erode enamel and damage our teeth. Even though these snacks don’t taste sweet, their high refined sugar content can be just as damaging as sugary treats and are among the foods that cause cavities. To keep teeth healthy, it is good to limit the consumption of starchy snacks,” he told Financial Express.com.
Additionally, pay extra attention while flossing to remove any food particles that may get stuck between the teeth causing plaque buildup.
Oral Hygiene Tips: Beyond Snacking Choices
While compromising on bad food for teeth by taking into account dental health, there are some oral hygiene tips that may be followed to maintain strong teeth. Brushing and flossing are at the top of the list.
“Make sure to brush the teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily to get rid of food particles and plaque. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. If you are looking for toothpaste to strengthen weak teeth, opt for toothpaste with arginine. Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is a unique amino acid that can help control the biofilm in the mouth across both hard and soft tissues,” he said.
By using arginine-containing toothpaste, we can safeguard oral health and prevent damage to our teeth, he revealed.
What are the advantages of arginine-containing toothpaste?
Arginine is an amino acid that helps keep our whole mouth healthy. It helps prevent cavities, reduces plaque and gingivitis, and relieves sensitivity and bad breath. Studies show that arginine can even reverse tooth decay by keeping the pH levels in our mouth higher.
Here is how arginine works to keep our teeth strong and healthy:
- Replenishing Minerals: Our teeth lose minerals like calcium when attacked by acid produced by bacteria. Arginine promotes the remineralisation of teeth, which strengthens our teeth and makes them more resistant to decay. Additionally, arginine helps with calcium boost, enhancing the deposition of calcium onto the teeth, further protecting the enamel, and providing nourishment of teeth.
- Reducing Bacterial Count: Arginine plays a direct role in maintaining optimal oral health by controlling plaque metabolism and the biofilm in the mouth. This helps in reducing harmful bacteria, lowering plaque formation, and decreasing the risk of cavities, contributing to strong teeth and fresher breath.
- Maintaining Alkaline pH Levels: Maintaining a balanced pH level in our mouth is crucial for dental health. When the pH tips towards the acidic side, it causes the loss of minerals and weakens the teeth. Arginine helps restore this balance by increasing the alkalinity of our saliva, thereby preventing tooth decay and strengthening our teeth.
- Enhanced Anti-Cavity Protection: Toothpaste containing arginine, along with fluoride, offers enhanced anti-cavity protection. While fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay, arginine adds an extra layer of defence by actively promoting remineralisation and reducing harmful bacteria. This dual-action makes arginine toothpaste a powerful tool against cavities.
“To sum up, it is quite natural to experience sudden hunger pangs or cravings for snacking. Choose the bites wisely so that they may nourish our body and soothe our taste buds but not put our teeth under the risk of cavities or gum problems. Avoiding foods that cause tooth decay like sugary, sticky, acidic, and starchy snacks can help prevent cavities,” Dr. Goyal told Financial Express.com.
Along with a balanced diet, using products like arginine toothpaste can further protect our teeth by addressing both the demineralisation and remineralisation of teeth and reducing harmful bacteria. By being mindful of what we eat and how we care for our teeth, we can ensure long-lasting dental health, he said.
