When you eat food and forget to brush your teeth, you are not just feeding yourself, you are also feeding the bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria, in the long run, accumulates and can then start eating on your teeth, which is how tooth decay develops. Factors that cause tooth decay include the frequency in which some foods are eaten and the time they remain as particles in the mouth. What are these types of food that causes more tooth decay?
The number one culprit and the most common cause of cavities for children are sugary candies and sweets that stay in your mouth. If you or your kids love to eat sweets, go for those that clear out of your mouth quickly. Those that stick around, like lollipops, caramels, jelly beans and hard candies, make it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar away. On the other hand, particles of some snacks like cookies, cakes, and other desserts do not stay long in the mouth but they do contain a high amount of sugar, which can still cause tooth decay. Limit your intake of these kinds of food.
Starchy, refined carbohydrates can also cause tooth decay. Examples of these include chips, bread, pasta, and crackers which can all be as harmful to the teeth as candy. Starches made from white flour are simple carbohydrates and can linger in your mouth and then break down into simple sugars. Although not really sweet, these types of foods are surely sugary too.
Carbonated soft drinks are also associated with tooth decay. These drinks contain a high amount of sugar, both regular and diet sodas (yes, they do!). In addition, they also contain phosphorous and carbon, which wear away the enamel on your teeth. Many energy drinks and lemonades also contain high amounts of sugar and acidity which causes the same effect. One way to minimize this effect is by using a straw to drink these beverages to keep them from having too much contact with your teeth. The best way though is to cut down, off course.
Fruit juice can cause problems for your teeth. Although we all know that fruits in general are good to our health, fruit juices are not. This is because these fruit juices sometimes have lots of sugar added to them, which can be even more damaging to your teeth. Again, to prevent too much exposure to your teeth, use a straw.
So, now you know which types of food are bad for your teeth. All these effects can actually be prevented if you: limit your intake of these types of food, brush your teeth at least two times a day, and if you visit your dentist regularly for cleaning. Want to know more about dental health? Stay tuned!w
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