As we age, the enamel layer of our teeth weakens and erodes. This causes discoloration and fragility in teeth. Sometimes, the enamel layer diminishes due to a person’s dietary choice too.
Why Certain Foods Can Cause Tooth Decay?
Eating candy and drinking carbonated drinks can weaken the enamel. This leads to cavities and tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and release lactic acid in your mouth. This acid lowers the pH of the mouth and promotes plaque formation. The enamel layer of the teeth is covered in a film known as plaque. Plaque weakens the enamel and leaves the tooth vulnerable to damage.
List Of Foods That Cause Tooth Decay
Foods that cause tooth decay are:
Candies
Candies are made by hardening sugar. They cling to your teeth and gums. This promotes plaque buildup and weakens the gumline. The root of your tooth becomes unprotected and can get decayed.
Commercial Bread
Brown bread and white bread are commercially produced bread with a high sugar and carbohydrate content. This bread turns into a gum-like paste in your mouth, that can stick to the crevices between your teeth. This is the main reason for cavities.
Fizzy Beverages
When you sip sodas all day, it increases plaque in your mouth. These sugary drinks can cause the calcium in your teeth to break down. This weakens your teeth.
Ice
Chewing on ice can result in a chipped or cracked tooth. Ice also causes discomfort to weak gums.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are often considered a healthy snack. However, this is not always true. Dried fruits, like apricots, figs, prunes, raisins, and cranberries, are often cooked in sugar syrup before drying. They become sticky as a result.
Breakfast Cereals
Breakfast cereals are frequently marketed as a healthy start to the day. this is a huge contrast to the level of their sugar levels. Cereals and mueslis are loaded with sugar to make them appetizing. Having a simple breakfast of fresh fruits and an omelet is much healthier.
Alcohol
Alcohol is high in sugar and acidic substances. Alcohol causes dry mouth and craving for processed foods. Regular consumption is not only harmful to your liver but your oral health too.
Popcorn
The hard pieces of popcorn can cause chipping to your teeth. Little pieces can get stuck between your teeth, and give rise to tooth decay and discomfort.
Tips When Eating Foods That Cause Food Decay
It is not necessary to avoid these foods to prevent tooth decay. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of tooth decay:
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Use fluoride-based toothpaste
- Eat calcium-rich food
- Eat raw crunchy fruits and vegetables
The Bottom Line
Taking good care of your dental health is necessary to lead a healthy life. This might also mean avoiding some of your favorite foods. You can also have some preventive dental care treatments from your dentist. Indulging in harmful foods by compromising your oral health is never a good idea.
