WHAT people eat does more than affect body weight, blood sugar and heart health. Diet also plays a major role in the condition of the teeth and gums.
Some foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay, enamel erosion, staining and gum problems, particularly when they are consumed frequently or remain on the teeth for long periods.
At the top of the list are sugary foods and beverages. Candies, cakes, cookies, doughnuts and other sweets provide fermentable carbohydrates that oral bacteria can use to produce acids. These acids attack tooth enamel and, over time, can contribute to cavities.
Sticky sweets may be particularly troublesome because they can cling to the teeth and stay in the mouth longer. Caramels, chewy candies and dried fruit can lodge in grooves and between teeth, giving bacteria more time to produce damaging acids.
Soft drinks and other sweetened beverages are another concern. Regular and diet sodas can be acidic, while sugar-sweetened versions combine acidity with sugar. Frequent exposure can increase the risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay. Energy drinks, sports drinks and some flavored beverages may also be highly acidic.
Fruit juices can present a similar problem. Although fruit contains important nutrients, juice can expose teeth to both naturally occurring sugars and acids. Drinking juice slowly over an extended period can increase the amount of time teeth are exposed to these substances.
Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, calamansi and grapefruit, are nutritious but acidic. Eating them as part of a meal is generally less concerning than repeatedly sucking on citrus fruits or drinking acidic beverages throughout the day. Frequent acid exposure can gradually soften tooth enamel.
Hard foods can cause a different kind of dental problem. Ice, hard candies and some nuts can put excessive pressure on teeth and potentially cause cracks or chips. Chewing ice is particularly risky because teeth are not designed to break down such hard material.
Highly processed refined carbohydrates, including white bread, crackers and some snack foods, can also contribute to tooth decay. These foods can break down into sugars in the mouth, and particles may become trapped around teeth.
Coffee, tea, red wine and dark-colored foods are not necessarily harmful to tooth structure, but frequent consumption can contribute to surface staining, especially when oral hygiene is inadequate. Adding sugar to coffee or tea increases the potential risk of decay.
The issue, however, is not simply whether a person eats a particular food. Frequency and exposure time matter. Constant snacking or sipping sweet and acidic drinks throughout the day gives saliva less opportunity to neutralize acids and restore minerals to enamel.
Dentists generally recommend drinking water after eating, limiting frequent sugary or acidic snacks, and maintaining regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth.
A useful rule is to keep sugary and acidic foods and drinks mainly with meals rather than consuming them repeatedly between meals. After acidic foods or drinks, rinsing with water can help. It is also advisable to wait before brushing immediately after a significant acid exposure because softened enamel can be more vulnerable to abrasion.
Healthy teeth are not built by avoiding every treat. They are protected by moderation, good timing, adequate saliva, fluoride and consistent oral hygiene. What happens between meals may be just as important as what is served on the plate.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
