According to the words of dentist Reshma Shah and nutritionist Neha Sahaya relayed by Doctissimo, other foods are said to be a source of dental problems and should be consumed in moderation. Here are these 3 foods, and why they don't mix well with oral hygiene.
How do cavities form?
To better understand the influence of certain foods on our oral hygiene and the potential formation of cavities, we must first look at the formation of cavities itself. Dental caries represents a localized destruction of the hard tissues of the tooth. This process results from the production of acids by bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates. The process takes place as follows:
Bacteria in the mouth feed on food residue, particularly sugars. These bacteria group together and form a sticky film called dental plaque, which adheres to the surface of the teeth. They transform sugars into acids, and these attack the enamel, the tooth's protective layer. The enamel, attacked by acids, loses its minerals, becomes more fragile, and a cavity is created in the tooth. If the cavity is not treated, it progresses and reaches the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel.
Dentin is softer than enamel, which allows decay to develop more quickly. In the most serious cases, when cavities are not treated in time, they can reach the dental pulp, the living tissue located in the center of the tooth. This can cause inflammation or even a potentially dangerous infection.
3 Foods to Eat in Moderation
The foods to avoid are all high in sugar or acid, making them particularly harmful if eaten too often:
Sticky Sweets and Candies
Sweets are obviously the foods most likely to cause cavities. Among them, the stickiest can be the most harmful to dental health. Indeed, they tend to seep into the nooks and crannies of the teeth and are sometimes difficult to remove when brushing, especially for children. If residues manage to accumulate, the risk of developing a cavity is real.
Sweet and salty snacks
Snacks like wafers, white bread, chips, tortillas, and other dry biscuits, whether sweet or salty, can be bad for teeth if consumed in excess. The main ingredient in these products is starch: in the mouth, this breaks down and forms sugar particles that can lodge in the teeth.
Sports drinks and fruit juices
Sports recovery drinks and fruit juices, often highlighted as healthy alternatives to soda, could be just as harmful to tooth enamel. They are often high in sugars and acidic elements that can weaken the protective layer of teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities. Of course, sodas and other industrial drinks are just as bad for teeth because of their high sugar content.
Sugar: the number one enemy of oral health
As you can see, not all foods that contain a high level of sugar mix well with tooth enamel. Even some foods that we consider healthy can be a source of cavities. This is the case with fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits, some of which combine both sugar and high acidity.
What is good for teeth?
Unlike sugary foods, certain foods have the power to strengthen the protective barrier of teeth. These foods are those that are rich in calcium and fiber. Milk is therefore very good for teeth, and all its derivatives such as yogurts and cheese. Some dried fruits and green vegetables are also rich in calcium. This is the case for almonds, walnuts, and broccoli.
Fish and shellfish, rich in minerals, are also foods that are good for teeth. They contain phosphorus and calcium, and some, like crab or shrimp, contain fluoride, a substance known for its ability to strengthen enamel.
The best protection: good dental hygiene
Simply taking care of your teeth on a daily basis can completely eliminate the risk of developing cavities:
Brushing your teeth after every meal is, of course, the best solution for eliminating bacteria. Flossing every day is also recommended to reach stuck particles and prevent inflammation. As for prevention, avoid excessive sugar consumption and stay well hydrated. Indeed, dehydration can affect oral health: in addition to causing bad breath, it increases the risk of cavities due to the lack of moisture in the mouth.
In addition to following these tips, don't forget to make an annual appointment with your dentist to ensure the good health of your smile!
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