The Truth About The Worst Foods For Teeth

 


We often wonder what kinds of drinks and foods can harm our teeth. It is technically true that almost all foods and drinks can cause tooth decay or damage to the surface, or enamel, of the teeth. 

However, not every food or drink causes equal harm. Also, some people are more sensitive to dental decay than others.

Many many foods and beverages can cause plaque buildup, which can have severe consequences on your teeth.

A bacteria-filled sticky film, Plaque contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. The sugar in a sugary snack or meal, causes the bacteria to release acids that can attack tooth enamel causing it to break down and leading to developing cavities.

Are Some Foods Worse than Others? 

There are two main things to consider, when considering how bad food or drink can be for your dental health- its composition and its quality.

More than 700 species of bacteria live inside the mouth including some that are helpful and others that are harmful.

The harmful bacteria lead to the breaking down of the sugars from foods and drinks and turning them into acids, which over time can pull essential minerals from the teeth and lead to cavities.

With a lack of proper care and cleaning, these bacteria can also form a soft film, or plaque, on the surface of the teeth, worsening that acidity and creating an environment conducive for even more bacteria to breed.

The dental plaque can harden and turn into tartar, leading to irritation of the gums and causing gingivitis.

Types of Food Bad for the Teeth

Sugary Foods

Foods containing lots of sugar especially those composed of sucrose, or table sugar are particularly bad for the teeth as the detrimental bacteria thrive on them.

Some examples of such foods include processed foods, sugary drinks, pastries, fruit juice concentrates, and sodas.

Besides the above-mentioned foods, the foods that are sticky, gooey, or chewy get stuck in the alcoves and corners of the teeth and the spaces between them.

The excess sugar lingering on the teeth can be stored by the harmful bacteria in their cells, and keep on producing acid for hours after you’ve eaten. Some examples include dried fruits, syrups and candies.

Some other foods like sugary sodas, juices, energy drinks, and milkshakes can also harm teeth as they are acidic and wash the teeth in sticky and sugary solutions, causing the teeth to break down.

Bread

The starch in the bread is broken down to sugar by saliva in the mouth. The bread on chewing becomes like a gummy paste-like substance and sticks to the crevices between teeth, causing cavities.

Try to eat less-refined varieties like whole wheat as these contain fewer added sugars and they don’t break down easily.

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Location: Morgan Hill, CA, USA

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