SUGAR-rich food. They are food that most dentists, if they can help it, avoid.
We’re not saying that sugar is bad per se, if you brush your teeth regularly and, better, after every meal.
Left unattended however, sugar builds up a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque not only stains the teeth, it can cause tooth decay, cavities and gum disease.
So avoid over-indulgence in sugary food. And that includes canned fruits that are full of sugary syrup, sugary drinks and sweet sports drinks.
Seeds, as in salted and dried butong pakwan or sunflower seeds, are good sources of vitamins. However, hard seeds like peanuts, may crack the teeth. So careful there.
Stop chewing ice too, cube or tube ice. Again, they may crack the teeth and are too hard for the protective tooth enamel.
As much as we don’t like to say this, avoid spreading a lot of peanut butter on your pan de sal or loaf bread. And as much as we love peanut butter, it sticks on the teeth and are loaded with sugar. Hello cavities – if you don’t brush and floss.
And as much as we all love peanut butter, from adults to the young ones, the youngest in our lot also love gummy bears.
Again, gummy candies are potentially danger-full because they stick, like peanut butter, to the teeth.
Now all that sugar are ideal food for bacteria that produces acid that in turn endanger your teeth with cavities.
And how about the all-time Filipino favorite, the inihaw or the pork barbecue?
The spicy and sweet red sauces that we dip our barbecue in are sugary that, if we don’t watch out by brushing our teeth, may also damage the teeth.
So tame that craving for isaw, adidas and pork barbecue on a stick.
Now, don’t starve yourself from all the goodness that life has to offer. Just remember that, as in all things, do it moderately.
Have your cake and eat it too.
And brush your teeth and/or floss after. Bon apetit.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
