While we all need to eat to live, certain foods can truly make a difference in your oral health overall. This is true even if you carry a strict oral care routine and visit a dentist in The Woodlands every six months. Some foods can promote good oral health and work to prevent cavities from forming. Others can accelerate the process of decay and even undermine your oral care habits.
Which foods should you avoid and which should you include more of? How do reduce your risk throughout the day? Keep reading to find out!
How Sugar and Starches Affect Your Oral Health
According to a report from Business Insider, the most commonly consumed foods across all ages contain high amounts of sugar and starch. While most people enjoy a slice of pizza or a piece of cake, they’re also unfortunately some of the worst foods for your smile. That’s because both ingredients aren’t just enjoyed by a majority of Americans; they’re also heavily enjoyed by your oral bacteria.
Whether it’s starch or added sugar, bacteria begins consuming it as soon as you begin chewing. After consumption, they release plaque acids, which in turn sticks to the teeth and gums. If this plaque isn’t removed, it will eventually develop into a harder, calcified form known as tartar. This can only be removed by a dentist.
Eventually, plaque acids will begin breaking down teeth enamel, leading to higher sensitivity, cavities, and eventually tooth loss and gum disease.
Foods to Avoid and Foods That Promote Oral Health
Foods like pizza, pastries and potato chips are dangerous for your oral health because of how much starch they contain. Hard candies, ice cream, jelly beans, caramel and coffee creamer all contribute significantly to tooth decay because of their high sugar content. This is especially true for added sugars like cane sugar, corn syrup (high fructose or otherwise), sucrose, fruit juice concentrate, and even the supposedly “healthier” options like honey, molasses, and malt syrup.
Instead of only consuming starches and sugars, work towards a balanced diet covering several food groups. Not only are the following better than starch- and sugar-based foods, but they actually promote tooth and gum health as well!
- Dairy Products – Milk, cheese, and yogurt all contain calcium, phosphates, and Vitamin D, all ingredients essential to good tooth health.
- Sugarless Chewing Gum – Sugarless gum is great to chew after a meal because it stimulates saliva production. Saliva is necessary to rinse plaque acids off teeth and keep the mouth’s pH balance high.
- Fruits and Veggies – Fiber-rich foods like carrots, celery, and apples stimulate saliva flow and work to neutralize plaque acids, providing good defense against decay. Raw onion contains antimicrobial agents like Sulphur, helping to reduce harmful oral bacteria.
- Green Tea – Green tea contains compounds that fight bacteria, reduce gum inflammation, and protect teeth from decay.
Want more tips on keeping a dental-friendly diet? Schedule an appointment with a dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Johnny Taylor earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in San Antonio. He continues his education via institutions like the Pankey Study Club to perfect his skills and offer patients the best care possible. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.