Want to keep that sparkling smile? Brush up on these foods and drinks no-nos when it comes to your dental health.
From a young age, it’s drilled into us that you should brush our teeth at least twice a day to ensure they are clean and healthy.
But that which you do – and never – eat and drink can get just as much touching on the health of our teeth, gums and mouth.
How does food affect the teeth?
Foods or drinks which might be high in sugar or highly acidic can contribute to tooth decay.
Bacteria with the mouth uses sugar from those foods and drinks to create acids that dissolve and damage our teeth.
Rethink Sugary Drink says tooth erosion occurs acid attacks pearly white’s to dissolve the outer the surface of tooth enamel.
Regular damage to enamel may lead to cavities and exposure of this inner layers for the tooth which will become sensitive or painful.
Which foods and drinks can be harmful for your teeth?
Dentist Dr Mikaela Chinotti says we should limit sugary foods, foods with added sugars and highly acid foods – including things like citrus fruit.
“Fruit ‘s still obviously pretty decent for us, but like anything, you’ll have too much,” Dr Chinotti, of the Australian Dental Association, says.
“Overly sticky and chewy foods are likewise not great while they take longer for any mouth to attempt to wash away.”
Eat sticky, chewy or sugary foods sparingly, and limit snacking, she says.
If you should do eat a few sweet treats, avoid consuming any more for a few hours so your mouth has enough time to recover.
“Soft drinks, sport drinks and juices are full off sugar and must also be consumed sparingly,” Dr Chinott says.
“Even kombucha is extremely acidic, despite the fact that we get the content it’s a health drink.”
Avoid or limit:
Foods and drinks that happens to be good for healthy teeth
Dr Chinotti says water and plain milk work best drinks for healthy teeth.
“Coffee or tea without sugar are Perfectly acceptable but they can result in the teeth to stain,” she says.
She says hard cheeses are ideal for teeth because they are full of calcium.
“And chewing sugar-free teeth can help stimulate saliva,” she says.
“Crunchy foods like raw celery, which can be full of water, help create saliva likewise.”
Saliva contains proteins and minerals that protect tooth enamel saving tooth decay and gums and teeth, and helps fight germs into your mouth and avoid bad breath.
It likewise helps your body digest food properly.
Foods you eat:
How to help the teeth if you do eat sweet foods
Dr Chinotti says there’s no need to rush on your toothbrush after you eat something unhealthy for your teeth – a glass of water can help flush the mouth out.
Brushing 2 times a day and flossing once is a better line of defence for dental health.
Dental Health Week runs from August 5 to 11.
Written by Sally Heppleston.
