We’re all aware of the importance of oral health for our overall well-being. It’s a known fact that our diet plays a vital role in safeguarding our dental health. The saying, “You are what you eat”, which rings truer when it comes to oral healthcare. We usually discuss at great length about what one needs to eat for a healthy oral condition, but it is also equally important to know the diets that pose a danger to our teeth and gums. It is essential to know what you must pay attention to and how to minimise the probable dangers.
Here is a list of food one must shun to maintain oral health
Stay away from candies and sugary substances: While hard candies appear harmless, eating too many of them will leave you constantly exposed to sugar, which is detrimental to oral health. Chewing hard candies also puts your enamels at peril because, besides being filled with sugar, they can also hasten a dental emergency, such as a broken, or chipped tooth. A better alternative would be to chew on sugar-free gums.
Ice is for chilling, not chewing: Most of us think ice is beneficial for our teeth because it is made from water and contains no sugar or other additives. But it is important to note that munching on hard edibles can damage the enamel and leave your teeth susceptible to dental emergency. You must break the habit of chewing on ice and should, instead, enjoy water in its liquid form.
Watch your citrus intake: Regular exposure to acidic diets can wear away enamel, weakening your teeth over time. So, although a little squeeze of lemon can turn a simple glass of water into an exciting beverage, it is not always the best option for your mouth. Ensure you sip a sufficient amount of plain water.
Limit your coffee intake: In their natural form, tea and coffee are considered to be healthy beverages, but, unfortunately, many people cannot resist adding sugar to them. Caffeinated coffee and tea also have the ability to dry your mouth. Drinking regular coffee and tea may also tarnish your enamel, eventually leading to discoloration of your pearly whites.
Gummy edibles are your mouth’s worst nightmare: While nibbling healthy, many people tend to choose dry fruits first. But do not forget that many of these dry fruits are sticky. Gluey edibles have a greater chance of harming your teeth, since they have a tendency to stick onto the teeth longer than other food items. If you find yourself eating dry fruits frequently, ensure you rinse your mouth with water after you finish eating and make sure you brush and floss prudently.
Be cautious of edibles that go ‘crunch’: We all love and relish the nice, sustaining crunch of potato chips. Unfortunately, these crisp nibbles are full of starch that sticks to your enamels. If you want to indulge in such refreshments, you should take extra care when you floss to properly remove all the food particles that can cause a build-up of unwanted plaque.
Minimize alcohol consumption: Alcohol leads to dehydration and dryness of the mouth. People who drink liquor excessively may find that the flow of their saliva gets condensed over time, which can cause teeth to decay and lead to other oral ailments, such as gum disease.
Along with providing you with optimum energy, food also serves the purpose of making you healthy and happy. So, as you munch on your favourite delectable, ensure they are worthy enough to help your teeth and gums stay healthy, too.
(Dr Karishma Jaradi is the Aesthetic Dentist, Dentzz Dental)
