Do you know why sugar is bad for your teeth and causes holes? Well, when you eat too many sweets they make the pH composition, balance and quantity of saliva your mouth makes to change. This then causes the pH of plaque to become more acidic.
You see, your mouth “washes” itself to get rid of the nasty bacteria that food leaves using saliva. However, when you constantly eat sugary things, the sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth which gives off compounds that make your saliva and the plaque on your teeth more acidic.
But, that’s not all that happens. Your teeth start to lose minerals and become weak because of the low pH. And, when they are weak, they break away and you get cavities.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the point at which teeth start to demineralise is with an acidity of lower than pH 5.5. The normal environment of the mouth is slightly acidic, with a pH range of between 5.6 and 6.9. When you go below this pH, your teeth take a knock. However, there are small changes you can make to protect your oral health without giving up your favorite treats.
Sugar “neutralising” foods you should eat after a sweet treat
You don’t have to brush your teeth after eating sweets. This can compromise the integrity of your teeth put more strain on them. Instead, have a glass of milk to neutralise the acidity of your mouth. You can also eat a piece of low fat cheese.
Furthermore, crunchy foods also promote saliva production. I don’t mean chips and biscuits, but fresh especially vegetables. The texture of raw vegetables will not only increase saliva production but you’ll be giving your teeth a mini brush each time you chew. This in turn helsp to combat the development of bacteria and the build up of plaque.
Would You Like To Learn More About Teeth Health?
Visit Dr. Ismail Sayed In Century City
Telephone: +27 21 250 0697T
Address: Century Medical Suites,4 Park Lane,Century City, 7441
Location: Cape Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa
Follow @Drismailsayed on Instagram
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