Food and Your Teeth

Everybody knows that eating sweets and sugar are bad for your teeth, but do you know why? Even if you eat good food, it can be bad for your teeth and if you eat some foods during certain times it can be bad for you as well. Knowing this information can help you with your teeth.

Plaque is the source of all dental problems. Plaque is the sticky, white substance that covers your teeth after you eat foods. Carbohydrates will break down the sugars, fructose, maltose, glucose and lactose that we later use to fuel our bodies later in the day. You might think that this breakdown occurs only when the food hits our stomach, but it also works right in our mouths.

When the food breaks down in your mouth, these foods are called fermentable carbohydrates. Bacteria that live on your teeth will use the sugars from the fermentable carbohydrates to produce strong acids. Some fermentable carbohydrates that we frequently eat are cookies, crackers, soft drinks, cereal, bananas and more.

Demineralization is caused with the acids and when demineralization occurs, the enamel of the tooth starts to dissolve. As long as the acids are in contact with the tooth bacteria, the damage will continue. If you sip on soda all afternoon, for example, the demineralization will continue. Sticky foods that get stuck in your teeth like raisins and potato chips are bad choices because they can get stuck in your teeth and in the crevices of molars. If you choose sugar foods all day, you will have a higher rate of tooth decay than the average person.

Remineralization can help to combat the demineralization process. Saliva facilitates remineralization by neutralizing the damaging acids. When you choose sugar-free gum, therefore, it will help to increase saliva and help to combat tooth decay. If you have remineralization levels lower than demineralization, you will have a process that is out of balance and tooth decay can still occur.

If a person is struggling with an eating disorder like binge eating, the binging of high amounts of food combined with the purging a short time later will cause serious mineral loss during the purging stage. This is why so many people who have eating disorders also see tooth decay and demineralization in general.

It’s a good idea to eat the right foods and follow the general guidelines set forth by the US government and its food pyramid. Good foods, like whole grains instead of refined grains, non-citrus fruits, dark leafy vegetables and lean proteins, are great choices for your diet and your teeth.

Cheese is a great choice to counteract acids on your teeth. Chicken and nuts are also great choices. Milk can enhance the mineralization with its minerals, while fruits with high water content can help promote saliva. If you have sugar-free gum with xylitol, it’s great for your teeth with just enough sweet to satisfy your desire.

Limit the number of sugary and sweet snacks and beverages while you are eating to promote better dental hygiene.

         

Introduction to Dental Care

Fluoride and Dental Care – How to Fight Tooth Decay
Dental Flossing Care – How to Clean Your Teeth and Gums
How to Care, Clean and When to Replace Your Toothbrush
Dental Care – How to Clean and Brush Your Teeth and Gums
Dental Care for Babies