How does food affect teeth? - Teeth & Gum Care

Teeth and Food - The best food for healthier and more beautiful teeth

Introduction

In this text, we deal with the way in which the choice of food affects our teeth. We talk about the importance of food selection, chewing, as well as proper nutrition responsible for the longevity of our teeth. So, if you want to know more about how teeth and food work together, read on, you're in for a big bite of knowledge!

How can food affect dental health?

Food affects dental health by promoting or protecting against tooth decay. Sweet foods increase the risk of tooth decay, while fiber, calcium, and phosphates strengthen teeth. Also, chewing crunchy fruits and vegetables stimulates the production of saliva, which neutralizes harmful acids and re-mineralizes tooth enamel.

What kind of food can damage the quality of teeth?

Eating sweet and sour foods affects the quality of teeth. Sugar encourages the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, while acid erodes tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to tooth decay. Foods and drinks such as soda, candy, citrus fruits, and vinegar-based dressings are examples of foods to avoid.

• Sweet foods: Sugar, especially in sweets, interacts with natural bacteria in the mouth to create acids that then eat away at the teeth and permanently damage them. If you still consume more sweet food and drinks, it is necessary to regularly and continuously maintain oral hygiene and rinse your mouth with water after each meal.
• Sticky foods: The sticky nature of foods means they can stay on our teeth longer, giving bacteria more time to interact with sugars and create harmful acids.
• Acidic food: Frequent consumption of acidic food can lead to dental erosion which then damages the enamel, the first and most important, protective layer of the teeth. When tooth enamel is permanently damaged, acid from food can come into contact with the minerals in the teeth, causing them to decay.
• Hard and crunchy food: In addition to being extremely difficult to digest, hard food also damages the quality and appearance of teeth because constantly biting hard food can lead to cracking or breaking of our teeth. Cracked or cracked teeth are more susceptible to caries and other diseases.
• Starchy foods: Starchy foods such as pasta, crackers or chips can get stuck in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and teeth, turning into sugar and thus providing a rich food source for various bacteria. Do not forget that, if you are able, after a meal, thoroughly brush and clean all the stuck parts of the teeth.

How to avoid the accumulation of food between the teeth?

To avoid the accumulation of food between the teeth, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to effectively clean the space between your teeth and remove any trapped food particles. Here are some more tips:

• Watch your diet: If the food you eat is sticky or hard to chew, it is more likely that the remains will get stuck in your teeth. So try to avoid sticky candies, caramels and crunchy foods.
• Eat slowly and carefully: Take the time to chew your food thoroughly, which will greatly help easier and faster digestion. Healthy chewing involves thirty to fifty chewing movements.
• Rinse with toothpaste: After a meal, swish the toothpaste in your mouth and then rinse your teeth and mouth with lukewarm water.

What food should be eaten after tooth extraction?

After tooth extraction, you should eat soft foods that are easy to chew. Also, avoid hot foods and drinks, as well as crunchy or sticky foods. Follow a healthy diet to promote healing. Here are suggestions of foods to eat after tooth extraction:

• Soft fruits: Fruits such as bananas and avocados are soft and easy to eat, making them a great option to eat after tooth extraction.
• Yogurt: We recommend yogurt because of the natural presence of probiotics that can help speed up the healing process.
• Soup: Soup is a great option because it can be full of nutrients that will help you heal and hydrate quickly and efficiently.
• Smoothies: Homemade smoothies are a great way to get all the nutrients you need without having to eat solid food. Simply mix any soft fruit or vegetable and blend with a mixer to make it crumbly with the addition of water or yogurt as desired. Pulp smoothies are also available.

Why does toothache occur after hot food?

Toothache on hot food occurs due to the expansion of the nerves in the teeth. When teeth are exposed to high temperatures, the dentin and pulp in the teeth expand, leading to pressure on the nerves and pain. In addition, hot food can irritate the gums, making the toothache worse.

What food to eat to strengthen teeth?

Eating foods rich in calcium such as dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt can help strengthen teeth. In addition, crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots encourage the removal of plaque and stimulate the production of saliva responsible for protecting teeth from cavities. Here are some other foods:

• Dairy products: Cheese, milk, and yogurt are beneficial for our teeth because they contain calcium, an ingredient that contributes to the strengthening of tooth enamel responsible for defending against bacteria. Milk consumption is especially important for children whose teeth are in the process of sprouting and developing.
• Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard contain vitamins A and C which help keep gums completely clean and healthy.
• Nuts: Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are great for our teeth. These foods contain magnesium, which supports the normal functioning of all muscles in the body, and the lack of which can cause bruxism or gnashing of teeth.
• Fish: Salmon, tuna, and sardines are sources of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the risk of many dental diseases.
• Fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery contain fiber that helps to cleanse and keep our body healthy for a long time.

Conclusion

If we pay attention to the quote 'Tell me what you eat and I'll tell you who you are', we can conclude a lot about the importance of nutrition for our dental and overall health. For vitality and happiness, you must choose the right food that will strengthen your body. By choosing nutritious foods and drinks, you give your body the boost it needs to function properly and healthily. Eating junk food may seem like an easy way to satisfy hunger, but in the long run, it will only make you feel sluggish and tired. Dedicate yourself to the health of your teeth and you will not lose your perfect smile.