We all know that a healthy diet is important for our overall
well-being as well as our oral health. But your teeth are under acid attack for
approximately an hour every time you
eat or drink something sugary. Acidic foods as well as drinks such as wine can also result in decay. The
general advice is to cut down on sugary foods and drinks and have them with
your meal.
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Dr Uchenna Okoye, clinical director of London Smiling Dental
Group and Oral-B’s smile director, lists the worst offenders:
Sports drink
“Usually sipped, meaning they are regularly swished around the mouth and are often full of sugar for plaque-causing bacteria to feed on and also contain acids that can damage our enamel.”
“Usually sipped, meaning they are regularly swished around the mouth and are often full of sugar for plaque-causing bacteria to feed on and also contain acids that can damage our enamel.”
Beetroot
“One of the worst offenders for staining. Reduce this by drinking water or milk after eating it.”
“One of the worst offenders for staining. Reduce this by drinking water or milk after eating it.”
Smoothies
“The high level of naturally occurring sugar and its thick consistency mean drinking one is heaven for bacteria which can lead to gum problems. They also contain a lot of fruit acids which can damage our enamel.”
“The high level of naturally occurring sugar and its thick consistency mean drinking one is heaven for bacteria which can lead to gum problems. They also contain a lot of fruit acids which can damage our enamel.”
Citrus fruits
“Oranges, grapefruits, etc are all very acidic, so avoid brushing your teeth 30 minutes after eating them to reduce causing enamel erosion.” [The British Dental Foundation recommends not brushing your teeth until at least one hour after eating.]
“Oranges, grapefruits, etc are all very acidic, so avoid brushing your teeth 30 minutes after eating them to reduce causing enamel erosion.” [The British Dental Foundation recommends not brushing your teeth until at least one hour after eating.]
Hot drinks
It’s not just cold food that can cause teeth to be sensitive, hot drinks also cause the fluids in the holes in the dentin to expand and contract creating sensitivity.
It’s not just cold food that can cause teeth to be sensitive, hot drinks also cause the fluids in the holes in the dentin to expand and contract creating sensitivity.
By Daralyn Danns
