Diet plays a huge role in dental health, as certain foods result in the wearing away of enamel and the overall decay of teeth. The hardest substance in the body, enamel is semi-translucent, and may erode for a number of reasons, with consuming acidic foods and beverages the most being the most common reason. Plaque, or that sticky white substance that’s always forming on teeth and gums, contains bacteria that feeds on the sugars in foods, and also causes acid to form.

Once enamel is worn away, the tooth is unable to repair itself, and therefore becomes very susceptible to decay. The staff at Total Health Dentistry in Cold Spring, KY offers comprehensive dental exams, and encourages patients to enjoy a well-rounded diet that includes foods which are optimal to tooth health. Check out their tips on which acidic foods to avoid entirely, or to at least eat in moderation:

• Candy: Sucking on sour candies—even for a short amount of time—coats teeth with acid, and causes enamel decay. Eating sticky candies also causes decay, as sugar particles stick to teeth and encourage bacterial production, and subsequently acid production. Avoiding white sugar in general is a good practice for not only for protecting your teeth, but for protecting your general health.
• Starches: Consuming assorted starches also promotes enamel wear and tooth decay, as starches contain sugars mouth bacteria love to feed on. Examples of starchy foods to avoid include potatoes and potato chips, creamy pastries, white rice, and fried foods.
• Fruit: Eating fruit means ingesting citric and malic acids, with some being more acidic than others, such as lemons and oranges. While fruit is part of a healthy diet, it’s best to sip water when consuming fruit or fruit juices, and waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing teeth; to brush with acid on your teeth is to brush away your own enamel!

Fluoride treatments are often recommended to protect enamel, while diligent brushing and flossing is required along with regular dental visits to prevent decay. Healthy saliva production is also key in decay prevention, as it washes away food particles and harmful sugars. 

Schedule dental exams and learn more about tooth fillings and other Total Health Dentistry services by calling (859) 441-1230 or by visiting their website today.