You might not have thought that certain foods you eat can have a direct and negative impact on your overall oral health, but it can. Most people generally understand that eating sweets and junk foods are relatively bad for your teeth.
The main reason for this has to do with the sugar contained in these foods and snacks. When sugar mixes with the saliva in your mouth, it’s also mixing with the bacteria present. Before you go covering your mouth in shock at the thought of bacteria swimming around in there, you need to realize even under the best conditions there are many different types of bacteria in your mouth, and they are there for a good reason.
That bacteria helps to begin the digestion process for the foods you consume. It is one of the reasons why many children are advised to chew there food thoroughly before swallowing. Yes, it helps to reduce the risk of choking, but it also makes it much easier for the body to digest properly when it is already going down into the stomach as something soft.
When you choose or savor those sweet snacks it’s allowing the sugar to mix with the bacteria and that forms acid. If you don’t know what acid is, it has the ability to erode certain surfaces. The acid that forms when sugar and the bacteria mix in your mouth begins breaking down the enamel on your teeth and can lead to some serious dental health problems.
So the next time you’re at the supermarket looking for foods and snacks, consider your entire health. When you take some time to realize what kind of damage it may be doing to your smile and the rest of your health, it may inspire you to eat more fruits and vegetables (which have natural cleaning capacities) and you’ll feel better, smile more broadly, and protect your teeth better than ever.