Your dentist may have admonished you to avoid sweets as a child, but that advice becomes even more important as you and your teeth age. Your teeth naturally weaken with age, which makes them more susceptible to problems as a result of a poor diet. Foods that are acidic, sugary, highly colored or sticky can mix with saliva to create a dangerous covering over your teeth. Left unchecked, the wrong foods can contribute to premature tooth decay, gum disease and erosion.
Erosion
Erosion occurs when acidic and sugary foods leave a film behind over the teeth. This film coats the teeth and eats away at the enamel that covers your teeth. As you age, that enamel naturally becomes thinner and more susceptible to the wrong types of foods. Enamel erosion can often lead to more sensitive teeth when eating hot and cold foods. Despite the claims from clever toothpaste brands, enamel cannot be restored by any product. Eating a diet rich in calcium can help strengthen enamel, as can avoiding foods that are sugary or acidic.
Tooth Decay
A lack of cavities is often a badge of honor when you visit the dentist's office. It proves that you take good care of your teeth. While some individuals are more susceptible to cavities than others, eating foods that are high in sugar or are sticky and chewy can lead to tooth decay over time. This is because your teeth are left exposed to the sticky film left after eating. Tooth decay can eventually lead to cavities, or small holes in the tooth. Cavities can be painful if they are so large and deep that the nerve is exposed, in which case you'll need a filling, crown or root canal to remedy the problem.
Discoloration
When you consume foods that use artificial coloring or that have a deep natural color, that color can then be transferred to your teeth. Your teeth are porous, and discoloration is a common problem when you drink coffee, tea, wine or soda on a regular basis. The color essentially stains the surface of the tooth. Some stains are easier to remove than others, while stains from coffee or cigarettes can leave a telling yellow color to the tooth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis, otherwise known as gum disease, occurs with poor oral hygiene. The result is a redness and inflammation of the gums, which can also lead to tenderness and pain. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, which is a hard substance that forms when the film left in your mouth from sugary, sticky foods interacts with your mouth's natural bacteria. This plaque lines the bottom of your teeth at the gum line, which is irritating to your gums. Gingivitis can be reversed with good hygiene habits, but if left unchecked can result in tooth loss.
