Irrespective of your age, the reasons for tooth decay are similar. In most cases, the decay occurs when you have a bacterial plaque that feeds on the sugars in your diet hence causing cavities. Most cavities result from the bacteria’s action of metabolizing sugar and turning it into an acid that dissolves your tooth structure. Therefore, eating food that is detrimental to your teeth can lead to the accumulation of bacterial plaque, and your teeth may decay in the long run. However, some of these foods are sweet and very affordable. Avoiding them can be overwhelming. But, if you love your teeth and understand the value they add to your general well-being, you must avoid some of these foods.
Below are some of the foods that will destroy your teeth if you are not careful
Sugary Sweets and Candies
You need to understand that bacteria love sugar. Therefore, if you love taking sugary sweets and candies, you risk your oral health. If you have to take sweets, eat those that dissolve quickly. If you take candies such as caramels and lollipops, they will be in your mouth cavity for a considerable period. It will be harder for your saliva to wash away all the sugar in these candies. This will give the bacteria in your mouth more time to metabolize these sugars. More acids will be produced in your buccal cavity and result in tooth decay in the long run.
Sweet Desserts
Other desserts such as cakes and cookies are among the unhealthy foods for your teeth. Most of them will wedge deeply in between your molars. Therefore, if you fail to brush your teeth immediately, you are risking your tooth as well.
Soft Drinks
Most of us prefer using soft drinks to cool our bodies during hot weather. However, as you enjoy these drinks, you expose your teeth to more damage and decay. Most of these contain a lot of acid, irrespective of whether they are sugar-free or not. Such drinks will damage your teeth and deepen your cavities by increasing the rate of tooth erosion. If you want to keep your teeth healthier up to your old age, avoid some of these soft drinks. It would be better if you develop a habit of taking unsweetened tea or water rather than destroying your teeth in the name of enjoying the cooling effect of these drinks.
Citrus Fruits
If you visited nutrition last week, I am sure you were advised to continue taking more fruits to boost your health. However, your nutritionist might have missed out on this. If you take a lot of citrus fruits, you are doing your teeth great harm. Most of these fruits have a lot of acids. If left to accumulate in your mouth for a considerable period, your teeth may wear out, leaving cavities that might allow more bacteria to proliferate. If you have to take these fruits, go for their juice. In addition, when taking these juices, use a straw so that some acid can bypass your teeth.
In a nutshell, eating is healthy. However, we should consider the foods we consume as some might have detrimental effects that might affect your dental health later in life.
