Cavities or tooth decay is the permanent damage to your teeth due to improper hygiene. It leads to tiny holes or gaps in the tooth’s enamel because of the erosion of the protective enamel layer of your teeth.
Untreated cavities can cause further damage to surrounding teeth and deeper layers of the tooth, such as the pulp and blood vessels. This infection can result in immense pain and other health complications such as infections and tooth loss. When you experience symptoms such as toothaches, sensitivity, staining, and holes in your teeth, immediately consult a doctor. West End Dental can examine the severity of your condition and recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Why do you need to avoid certain foods?
Certain foods and teeth that are not cleaned properly can cause plaque to form on the surface of teeth because of bacteria. The plaque hardens and spreads to your gums in the form of tartar, making cleaning more difficult. The acids from the plaque damage the enamel further till they form holes and reach the inner dental structures such as dentin, pulp, and blood vessels.
- Sugar.
Items such as cakes, cookies, candies, honey, and processed foods that contain large amounts of sugar can be extremely harmful to your teeth. Frequently snacking on sugary products every few hours prevents the saliva from washing away efficiently. The acid released from the plaque bacteria after sugar consumption leads to demineralization of the enamel, and repetitive acid attacks can result in a permanent weakening of the enamel, leading to cavities.
- Certain beverages.
Drinks such as energy drinks, juices, carbonated drinks, and sports drinks are highly acidic and contain a lot of sugar. The sugar erodes the enamel while the acidity weakens the tooth structure. These liquids are usually thick and linger on teeth for longer durations resulting in increased damage.
Drinking water and unsweetened teas are a good alternative for your teeth and overall health. Wines, especially red and white wine, also contain acids that soften your enamel and stain the teeth’ surface. It is advised to wait for about half an hour before brushing after consuming such drinks to prevent further damage to the enamel in its weakened state and use straws for minimal contact with the teeth.
- Vinegar.
The acetic acid that vinegar contains can lead to weakened enamel. Products such as pickles contain vinegar and sugar, resulting in a highly acidic environment for your teeth and causing damage. People often drink apple cider vinegar for its multiple health benefits. However, it contains acetic acid as well. It is suggested to drink it diluted with water in a single drink and rinse your mouth properly after to prevent it from staying on your teeth’ surface.
Several other food items such as crackers, chips, citrus fruits, and dry fruits are also damaging for the health of your teeth. It is advised to consume foods such as cheese, celery, carrots, apples, spinach, and meats for a balanced diet, practice healthy oral hygiene, and have sufficient water.