The causes of tooth decay are the same regardless of your age. Plaque with bacteria that feeds on the sugar you add to your diet causes tooth decay, which can lead to cavities. Cavities form when bacteria metabolise sugar and convert it to acid, which dissolves your tooth structure.
Plaque and tooth decay can be exacerbated by eating items that are terrible for your teeth. To maintain your teeth as healthy as possible, you should avoid (or at least minimise) the items listed below.
- Candies and Sweet Dishes:
If you must have sweets, choose those that dissolve rapidly in your mouth. Caramels, lollipops, hard sweets, and jelly beans, for example, linger in your mouth for a long time, making it difficult for your saliva to wash away the sugar.
Tooth decay can be caused by some sugary treats, such as Cakes, Cookies, Pies, Dessert options. If you can’t stop yourself from eating sweets, consume them after a large meal rather than in between. If at all possible, wash your teeth after eating anything sugary.
- Soft and Sugary Drinks:
Acid is present in soft drinks, whether sugar-free or not. They can harm teeth, leading to an increase in cavities and dental erosion. Soft drinks should be avoided if you want to maintain your teeth healthy.
Instead, sip unsweetened tea or water. If you must drink soft beverages, avoid cleaning your teeth right afterward since acid softens the structure of your teeth, making them more sensitive to abrasion.
- Pickles and Extremely Salty products:
Acid in vinegar is vital in the pickling process. This acid can discolour your teeth as well as wear away at the enamel. Sugar is present in most pickled foods, which contributes to the development of cavities.
- Wine:
Erosive acid found in white and red wine weakens enamel. Tannins, which are found in red wine, can dry out your mouth and darken your teeth. If you’re going to drink wine, make sure you brush your teeth first.
This can assist to limit the amount of wine that sticks on the plaque. It’s also a good idea to clean your teeth 30 minutes after drinking wine to avoid brushing the acid from the wine into your teeth.
- Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits are a healthy addition to any diet. When consumed in large quantities, though, the citric acid in the fruit can erode away at your dental enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities.
Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruit are very acidic. Use a straw to consume juices so that some of the acids don’t get to your teeth.
- Bread:
Saliva turns down starches into sugar when you eat bread. The bread has been turned into a gooey paste-like substance that sticks to the gaps between teeth.
Cavities can result from this. When you’re desiring carbs, go for whole wheat or less refined kinds. These have fewer added sugars and are more difficult to digest.
- Alcohol:
We all know that consuming alcohol is unhealthy. But did you know that drinking causes your mouth to dry out? Saliva is needed to keep our teeth healthy, and a dry mouth lacks it.
Saliva wipes away food particles and keeps food from sticking to your teeth. It also aids in the prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral illnesses. Drink plenty of water and utilise fluoride rinses and oral hydration treatments to keep your mouth moisturised.
- Ice:
Chewing on a hard material damages enamel, putting you at risk for dental problems including chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth, as well as loosened crowns. Ice can be used to chill beverages, however it should not be chewed. To avoid the impulse, sip cooled water or non-iced liquids.
- Chips:
Many of us find the crunch of a potato chip endlessly pleasurable. Unfortunately, they’re high in starch, which turns into sugar and gets caught in and between the teeth, feeding plaque bacteria.
The acid produced by the chips lingers and lasts a long time because we rarely consume just one. Floss to remove the trapped particles after you’ve devoured a bag.
- Dried Fruits:
Dried fruits are commonly thought to be a healthful snack. True, but apricots, prunes, figs, and raisins, to mention a few, are sticky dried fruits.
They cling to the teeth and fissures, leaving a trail of sugar behind. If you enjoy dried fruits, remember to rinse your mouth with water before brushing and flossing. Fresh varieties are preferable because they contain less sugar.
Cavities are the most frequent chronic disease among people aged six to 19. Complications include pain, chewing difficulties, and tooth abscesses. Plaque will solidify and turn into tartar if you don’t clean or floss your teeth. Gingivitis, or gum disease in its early stages, can be caused by tartar above the gum line. Thus it makes it utmost important to take care of your teeth. Make sure to visit the closest dentist, to get your teeth checked. You can visit the Best Dental Clinic Ludhiana.
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