Consuming sugary foods can wreak havoc on not only your waistline but also your teeth. Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, producing acidic by-products that erode tooth enamel and lead to dental caries. When sugar lingers in the mouth, it is fermented by bacteria causing the pH to fall to about 5.5. This creates a hostile environment for even the strongest minerals in teeth.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
A serious condition related to this process is baby bottle tooth decay. When infants are put to bed with a bottle, the sugars in milk or juice coat the teeth and feed bacteria in the mouth. As a result, acid is produced and begins to destroy the outer layers of teeth. Eventually, this can lead to significant damage. The best prevention is to avoid letting a baby sleep with a bottle and help children brush their teeth properly until they are at least six years old.
Purpose of Saliva
It is important not to underestimate the function of saliva in protecting overall health. Digestion begins in the mouth, where enzymes in saliva start to break down sugars and starches. Saliva helps cleanse the mouth of bacteria and also has anitviral and antifungal properties. The main purpose of saliva is to maintain pH balance in the mouth and preserve tooth integrity. Poor dental health causes plaque to develop in the mouth. This can travel to the arteries and increase the progression of cardiovascular disease. Saliva is the body’s first defense against health hazards and toxins.
Cariogenic Foods
Cariogenic foods are those which promote the formation of cavities. Sugary, sticky foods play a main role in tooth decay. Candy and junk food may be the most obvious offenders, but some otherwise nutritious foods can also be damaging. Prunes, raisins and other dried fruits are especially cariogenic. Their natural sugar content and sticky consistency make getting teeth really clean a more difficult job. While it is not necessary to limit these foods, always remember to floss regularly and brush shortly after eating sticky foods.
Non-Cariogenic Foods
Some foods tend to be more friendly to dental health. Foods high in protein stimulate the production of saliva and pose a lower risk for damage. These foods are also higher in pH, so they help buffer the acid produced by bacteria. Cheese, eggs, peanuts, milk and meat are generally considered non-cariogenic foods.
Look for gum that contains xylitol instead of regular sugar. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is not susceptible to breakdown by bacteria in the mouth. The California Dental Association recommends chewing gum and mints that contain xylitol to prevent tooth decay. When swallowed, xylitol is digested similarly to fiber in the body.
Member Comments