It doesn’t matter how you look at it, but the reality of the matter is, acid generated by bacteria in your mouth is the root cause of cavities. These microorganisms make acid when you munch anything containing simple carbohydrates. Sugars are simple carbohydrates, and occur in fruits. Other complex carbohydrates like starches are found in foods like vegetables, bread, rice, and potatoes, but it is the sugars which are the main cause of tooth decay.
Once formed, the acid eats into your tooth, and the bacteria make a nice little hole to settle in where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. And this tiny house of bacteria turns into a mansion, as these microbes continue to metabolize carbohydrates and produce harmful acids. Having said that, one important fact to remember is that, it’s not the quantity of carbohydrates you consume that causes tooth decay, but the interval of time your teeth are unprotected.
You are probably going to hate me for saying this, but if you have a “sweet tooth” meaning you can’t simply get your hands off those sugary candies like lollipops, caramels, jelly beans, hard candies or even snacks like cookies, cakes or other desserts which contain high amount of sugar, then you should brush your teeth well with fluoride toothpaste after each consumption, to prevent major tooth decay. If you must eat sweets, go for those that clear out of your mouth quickly because those that stick around make it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar away. If your craving for sweets is too strong, then it’s best to eat them as dessert after a main meal instead of several times a day between meals.
One interesting fact about starches made out of white flour is that, they are modest carbohydrates and can linger in your mouth and then break down into simple sugars. By now we all know, that these germs simply can’t wait to produce acid by feeding on sugars, which of course causes tooth decay. Foods such as pasta, bread, chips or crackers are considered starchy refined carbohydrates and can be harmful to the teeth, though not as much as candy.
Why should you quit drinking carbonated soft drinks? Well, not only does regular soda contain a high amount of sugar, but it also contain phosphorous and carbonation in both regular as well as diet sodas, and this acidic solution wears away the enamel on your teeth, and can make them stained and brown. So not only high amounts of sugar are found in many energy drinks, but bottled iced teas and lemonades also contain acids that wear away tooth’s precious enamel )this is called erosion). If you are one of those people who simply can’t resist soda, well at least use a straw to keep it from having too much contact with your teeth.
Though it’s reasonable to eat citrus fruits, lemons, and other acidic foods, don’t slurp on them or keep them in your mouth for an extended period of time, since it’s quite clear by now that the acidic juice in these foods simply doesn’t get on well with your teeth’s enamel. Even foods with tomatoes, example: pizza, pasta sauce and soup, pickles, honey and citrus fruits can all be damaging to your teeth if they are consumed too often, or held in the mouth for too long.
Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.
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