Food is satisfying to the stomach and the taste buds, but your favorite dishes often wage war on your teeth. Remnants of food collect in the mouth and are converted to plaque in a short period of time. Plaque gradually weakens the protective layers of your teeth when you don't brush regularly, enabling the process of tooth decay. While all foods can be converted to plaque, sugary and starchy foods are more susceptible. The American Dental Association recommends using the food pyramid as a basic guide for choosing healthy foods that are less harmful to the teeth.
Plaque
Your teeth and mouth often feel grimy or sticky after consuming certain foods, especially soda or candy. This feeling occurs when food residue coats the teeth and gums and reacts with the native bacteria in your mouth to form an acidic substance. The acid, known as plaque, attaches to vulnerable areas of the mouth and attacks the enamel of your teeth for 20 minutes or longer. Plaque buildup is most common near the back molars, gum line and the crevices of dental fillings, as these areas are difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush. Plaque left on the teeth hardens to form tartar, which can lead to gum disease, according to Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
Food and Tooth Decay
Dietary habits have great impact on your dental hygiene. Food often remains on the teeth for extended periods of time between brushing when you snack frequently throughout the day or opt for sugary drinks instead of water. Plaque is not a passive substance; it persistently attacks the mouth until the acid erodes the enamel on your teeth. Oral bacteria left untreated can compromise the structure of your tooth, lead to cavities, promote the growth of an abscess or create unwanted space between the teeth and gums. Progressive tooth decay opens the door to more serious conditions, including gum infections and loss of teeth.
Acid
Malnutrition caused by bulimia and other eating disorders can be equally damaging to oral hygiene. Vomiting exposes the teeth to potent stomach acids that break down the enamel and leave your teeth feeling sensitive. This effect is enhanced if the eating disorder is accompanied by frequent consumption of other acidic foods, such as soda, and an insufficient intake of water. Water fights tooth decay by washing away food residue and increasing the production of saliva. Binging and purging habits enable plaque buildup and prevent the body from using its natural resources to protect your teeth from bacteria.
Prevention
Foods containing a high sugar and acid content are a significant part of the American diet. The ADA reported that on average individual Americans consumed over 53 gallons of soft drinks in 2000. Prevent excessive plaque buildup by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, ideally an hour after meals and just before bedtime. Drink water to clear away food remnants and keep your mouth hydrated. Limit snacks between meals and stick to "tooth-healthy foods" such as cheese, fresh vegetables and sugar-free gum, the Mayo Clinic suggests. In addition to regulating your dietary habits, you can take other preventive measures to preserve the structure of your teeth. Speak to your dentist about oral health techniques, including cleanings, fluoride treatments and protective sealants.
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