How Different Types of Food Affect Your Teeth

We all have to eat; it’s a part of life. When you ask most people about what types of food affect their teeth they mention that obviously sugar causes cavities. This is a true statement. The way that a cavity forms is whenever we feed the bacteria in our mouth, let’s say sugar. This gives the bacteria energy and after they eat these tasty treats then they excrete acid onto the tooth surfaces. This acid eats away the hard outer surface we call enamel and creates a cavity. So now that we know how cavities form, we know that acid is the key to it all. Acid is what breaks down the tooth to allow for cavities to form. So wouldn’t acidic foods and drinks cause the same effect? The answer is yes. Some acidic foods that you might not be aware of are certain fruits, vegetables, meats, and others to name a few. Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, cranberries, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, corn, peas, and tomatoes are some of the most common fruits and vegetables that are acidic. Other foods that are acidic are red meats such as steak, majority of fast food restaurant foods, tuna, and cereal. Things we drink can contain acid as well the most common ones are sodas, which are also very high in sugar as well, others would be, coffee, tea, wine, and beer. Now I know it might seem like well, what are we supposed to eat, and the answer is simple. Yes all these foods are acidic, but eating with a meal or as a meal is perfectly fine. Just be careful what types of snacks you eat in-between meals and how often you snack. Water is great for rinsing the teeth off after a meal or snack to help reduce the acid levels in the mouth. Also making sure that you are brushing twice a day and flossing once a day helps to reduce the acid in the mouth as well.