Maintaining good oral hygiene is about more than just brushing and flossing, it’s about monitoring what you consume every day too. The foods and drinks you enjoy on a regular basis play a significant role in your dental health, and whilst it’s true that all foods and drinks have the potential to cause tooth decay, not every food or drink causes equal harm. It’s also true that some people are more susceptible to dental decay than others, which means maintaining healthy teeth and gums is even more important.
What Types of Food Are Bad for Your Teeth?
Sugary foods, such as sweets, pastries, concentrated fruit juice and fizzy drinks, are especially deleterious for your oral health, because the harmful bacteria in your mouth love to feed on sugar. This process produces acids which then start to erode the tooth enamel and this in turn leads to cavities. Many refined carbohydrates and starchy foods, such as crisps and white bread, break down in the mouth and quickly convert into the sugars that the bacteria simply love!
Similarly, the texture of food can be an issue, and ‘sticky’ foods, including chewy sweets, white bread and dried fruits, can cling to teeth, encouraging plaque build up and provoking gum health issues. Particles of certain foods also tend to get lodged between teeth, or stuck on tooth surfaces, which can increase the risk of decay, if you are not diligent with your oral hygiene habits.
Many fizzy soft drinks are also highly acidic, with a pH value of 3-4, and enamel starts to break down in an environment of pH 5.5 and below. This is bad news for fans of sodas and energy drinks, even if they are sugar-free. Did you know too that carbonated water is also classed as acidic and is not a healthy choice for your teeth?
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are also acidic in nature, and frequent exposure can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. But rather than avoid them altogether, and miss out on their many nutritional benefits, you can just consume them in moderation and follow up with water to rinse away the acid. Or another option would be to choose less acidic fruits such as apples or pears.
The good news is that, beyond brushing and flossing, there’s plenty you can do to protect your teeth, so now we’re going to share with you our recommended strategies for preventing tooth decay.
Key Strategies to Prevent Tooth Decay
- Less snacking and sipping: Saliva, which neutralises acidity and remineralises enamel, is a protective force for your teeth, but it takes time for saliva to build up after eating or drinking. Constant snacking prevents saliva from doing its job effectively, and many experts recommend drinking sugary drinks in one sitting, rather than sipping through the day. Drink fruit-infused water infused or herbal teas for a healthy, tooth-friendly beverage.
- Limit alcohol intake: Heavy drinking reduces saliva production, making it harder for your mouth to clean away food particles, and the ensuing dry mouth may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Drink plenty of water alongside alcohol to stay hydrated, or swap alcoholic beverages for non-alcoholic versions or soft drinks. Have you ever tried coconut water? It’s a delicious refreshing drink, which effectively rehydrates without the sugar and acid content.
- Sweet alternatives: Sugar in certain foods and drinks contributes significantly to the flourishing of harmful bacteria. Sugar-free alternatives tend to reduce the risk of decay, and in the case of Xylitol (now found in chewing gum), may increase salivary flow and provide antimicrobial benefits. If you’re in need of a ‘sweet fix’ opt for sugar-free gum or dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants that can actually benefit oral health.
- Choose Tea over Coffee: It’s no secret that coffee can stain teeth over time, due to its dark colour. However, did you know that it’s also acidic and has a detrimental impact on your tooth enamel, especially when combined with sugar? On the other hand, both black and green tea contain fluoride and have higher natural pH levels, which can actually help protect teeth— provided that you don’t add sugar! Try drinking green tea, which is packed with antioxidants and is less likely to stain teeth.
- Get regular dental checkups: Seeing your dentist every six months means that the first signs of decay will be detected early and prevent cavities from worsening. Regular dental hygiene visits are also recommended to help keep your teeth and gums in tip top condition.
Final Thoughts on Tooth Decay Prevention
Ultimately, the habits that promote optimal dental health align with practices that support overall health. So, if you want to minimise the risks of unwanted tooth decay, and have a healthy and happy smile for many years to come, make some different choices today – start by eating fewer processed foods, reducing sugary snacks, and commit to regular visits to your dentist and hygienist.
