Your food habits affect your well-being in a number of ways. However, it has the most effect on your oral health. Eating food that is unhealthy for your teeth can cause diseases such as tooth decay. As per a report by FDI World Dental Federation, 100% adults and about 60-90% of school children suffer from dental caries. While this may seem like a minor and treatable issue, as per WHO’s dental fact sheet, it is also important to note that treatment of such oral conditions is expensive, averaging 5% of total health expenditure and 20% of out-of-pocket health expenditure in most high-income countries. Therefore, taking care of your dietary intake is a necessity.
Sensing this need, one of the most reputed group of dentists in Melbourne CBD, Dr. Zamani Dental Practice, has curated a list of foods to befriend and avoid for healthy teeth.
The list of food items that can send you rushing to a dentist near you is huge. However, some of the most common edibles that should be avoided if you care about your teeth are as follows:
- Sugary Food:
Food such as candies, soft drinks and desserts that are high in sugar can cause a lot of damage to tooth enamel and can lead to decay. The fermented bacteria in sugars can cause demineralisation and drain away the tooth enamel in the long run. This is the main reason why WHO recommends all children and adults to limit sugar intake less than 10%.
- Ice:
While liquid water contains fluoride that is good for teeth, ice is a harder substance that is difficult to break. Chewing on such substances can damage the enamel, thereby giving way to dental emergencies and diseases. It is hence recommended to avoid biting on ice to ensure healthy teeth.
- Sticky Food:
Sticky and chewy candies such as lollipops, caramels, and cough drops stick to your teeth and are difficult to remove. These thus remain in your mouth for a longer time and give leeway for bacteria to devour these and destroy the protective layer of enamel around your teeth. Such an occurrence can further lead to decaying teeth and cavities.
- Soft drinks and Sports Drinks:
The fact that soft drinks contain more sugars is no mystery. However, what is noteworthy is that phosphoric and citric acids erode the enamel even more quickly. Therefore, while diet sodas may be considered as a healthier alternative, in truth it is just as damaging for your teeth. In addition, even non-fizzy sports drinks contain acidic content that does no favour to your dental health. Consequently, staying away from these is more advisable.
- Crunchy Snacks:
Munching on crispy treats such as potato chips is one of the simple pleasures of life. However, these contain huge amounts of starch that tend to get trapped in your teeth. If not removed properly, this can result in the formation of plaque in your mouth.
If you are someone who is concerned about your dental health, avoiding such sustenance is the best for the perfect teeth.
But, we understand that avoiding all these listed commodities may be difficult to do in your daily life. This is why we suggest booking an appointment with a trusted dentists near you and going for regular check-ups.
If you are looking for the best dentists in Melbourne, contact Dr. Zamani Dental Practice. We are the most reputable and knowledgeable dentists in Melbourne CBD who strive hard to provide unprecedented solutions for all your dental issues.
