Food

5 Food Items That Make Teeth Vulnerable to Decay

Eastgardens is one of the most sought-after suburbs in New South Wales, Australia, just 9 km away from Sydney Central. A census in 2016 shows that 860 people live in the Eastgardens, and about 30%

Eastgardens is one of the most sought-after suburbs in New South Wales, Australia, just 9 km away from Sydney Central. A census in 2016 shows that 860 people live in the Eastgardens, and about 30% of them are children. As such, tooth decay can affect anyone, regardless of what age one is in. However, children are relatively more vulnerable to tooth decay due to the current lifestyle and food habits that constitute fast foods, chocolates, and sweets. So, when a family member has tooth decay, they must consult the best dentist in Eastgardens to examine the damage and consider suggestions to prevent it. 

What Goes on When a Tooth Decays? 

Tooth decay results from plaque with microorganisms like bacteria that feed on residual food particles and sugars present in the mouth, resulting in cavities. Cavities occur when the microorganisms consuming the sugar turn it into an acid that is harmful to the teeth and dissolves the enamel. 

Types of Food and Ingredients to Look Out For 

Eating meals which are excessive in sugar are awful to the enamel and cause plaque and tooth decay. In general, food items which are sticky and sugary could be harmful to the enamel as they stick to the teeth for longer. And this offers the bacteria a better chance to do damage. Acidic food and drinks can also be unhealthy choices since the acid can harm the teeth. So, specialists and dentists in Eastgardens propose that all children and adults clean their teeth, gums, and enamel, floss and rinse their mouths after consuming every meal or snack. 

And this article talks about what meals one can consume and the ones to avoid or limit to preserve the enamel in the long run.

  1. Popcorn

It is a healthy alternative to chips as a snack. However, there are some reasons why it can be very harmful to the enamel. People generally consume popcorn during an entire movie which offers the bacteria extra time to harm the enamel. Plus, it is impossible to have popcorn without it getting caught in among teeth. So, one must have a toothpick and some water by their side while consuming popcorn to flush in the residue. 

  1. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbs generally form a maximum percentage of children’s favorite foods and snacks like crackers, white bread, fries, and chips. These carbohydrates break down into sugars easily. And once the bacteria start consuming the sugars inside the mouth, they ferment and create lactic acid, and it could erode the enamel. 

  1. Dry Fruits

Dried apricots, raisins, or fruit roll-ups are examples of wholesome, nutritious snacks. But they have highly concentrated sugars as they are dried out. Additionally, their chewy texture makes them stick to the teeth, giving the microorganisms more time to cause harm. 

  1. Soft Beverages and Wine 

Despite containing sugar or not, all soft beverages have acid that can soften the enamel, causing accelerated cavities and dental erosion. So, people are recommended to stick to unsweetened tea or water as a replacement. Besides, both white and pink wine include erosive acids, which can melt the teeth. Red wine additionally carries compounds referred to as tannins, which dry out the mouth and stain the teeth. 

  1. Citrus and Sweet Foods

Citrus fruits and foods like red sauce pasta contain citric acid that can double the damage to the teeth, making them vulnerable to developing cavities. Besides, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are especially acidic. On the other hand, kids usually suck on candies and sweets for longer, enjoying the taste as they dissolve. But simultaneously, this enables the bacteria to feed on the sugar and the teeth, causing harm.