What we eat can have a big impact on the health of our teeth. Diets are very much in the news at the moment because of health concerns over obesity but it is also worth remembering that poor diets are also very bad for your teeth. At a time when the number of dental cavities and instances of gum disease are once again on the rise in the UK it is very important that we look carefully at what we eat, especially our children, in order to keep our teeth as healthy as possible.
The most damaging thing for your teeth is, rather unsurprisingly, sugar. Sugar not only clings to the teeth but is also very starchy which reacts with the plaque to release more acid. This speeds up the process of enamel erosion that is responsible for tooth ache, infections and even tooth loss. So try to avoid eating sugary snacks or food with high sugar content. Natural sugars in fruit are much better for your teeth but still can cause damage so it is always a good idea to brush your teeth, or at least rinse it with water after eating sugary foods.
The same is true of fizzy drinks such as cola. This will accelerate the erosion process if drunk too regularly and allowed to remain in the mouth on the teeth. City of Leeds dentists again recommend brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with water after drinking anything with a high sugar content.
The foods that are bad for your teeth are generally bad for you full stop but everyone is allowed to treat themselves once in a while. However, even foods like nuts can be very bad for the teeth as they can get stuck in small gaps and attract bacteria. The same is true for all kinds of crisps.
There are some foods that are good fro your teeth. Anything that contains calcium will strengthen your teeth and bones. Ask your dentist for more details.
Tags: dental cavities, gum disease, plaque
