Tooth decay occurs due to the erosion of the enamel on the teeth caused by acids. In addition, a person with certain medical conditions, such as dry mouth, acid reflux disease, or people taking antihistamine drugs are also at risk for tooth decay..
Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth that serves to protect and prevent tooth decay. Unfortunately, this enamel layer will erode over time due to consuming certain foods and drinks too often. Symptoms of tooth decay or loss can include sensitive teeth and teeth that break easily.
So, what foods should be avoided to prevent the erosion of the enamel layer on the teeth?
Food and Drink Causes Porous Teeth
In order not to experience tooth decay, you should avoid the following foods or drinks:
1. Bread
Who would have thought that bread could cause tooth decay? At the time of chewing bread, saliva in the mouth will work to break down starch into sugar. Bread can stick between the teeth. As a result, the rest of the bread stuck between the teeth will invite bacteria, causing cavities and porous teeth.
2. Sweet candy
Sugary foods, such as cakes and candies, can damage teeth and cause tooth decay. The sugar content in food residue that sticks to the teeth can invite bacteria.
When bacteria process these sugars as an energy source, they form acids that can damage and weaken teeth.
3. Fruit that tastes sour
The acidic content in fruits, such as oranges and lemons, can erode enamel and make teeth prone to decay. If you want to eat sour fruit like this or drink water that has been squeezed with lemon juice, don't forget to rinse your mouth by drinking water afterward.
4. Carbonated drinks
Research has shown that consuming large amounts of soda can damage teeth. This is because these drinks allow the formation of dental plaque and produce more acid, which eventually causes tooth enamel to erode.
In addition, the nature of soda can also make the mouth dry. This dry mouth condition makes bad bacteria can easily damage your teeth.
5. Ice cubes
The habit of chewing something hard and cold, such as ice cubes, can cause tooth enamel to decay. Teeth also become vulnerable to damage, such as chipped or even broken.
Tips and tricks Preventing Porous Teeth
If you don't want to experience tooth decay, do the following:
1. Meet nutritional needs
Enamel can become stronger if you regularly consume the right nutrients. One of the nutrients that are good for maintaining healthy teeth is calcium.
Therefore, start eating foods that are high in calcium content, such as milk and cheese. Also make sure you choose foods and drinks high in calcium that are low in fat.
2. Pay attention to daily food
To keep enamel healthy, avoid eating too many snacks, such as chips, candy, and starchy or sugar-based foods. This is because these foods easily stick between the teeth, making them susceptible to inviting bacteria and eventually eroding the enamel layer.
3. Cleaning teeth with cleaning products containing fluoridee
fluoride You can get it from toothpaste or from mouthwash. This substance can help strengthen enamel if used as part of daily dental care. On the other hand, fluoride It can also repair tooth decay in its early stages.
4. Chewing gum
Chewing gum can also be another way to prevent tooth decay. This is because chewing gum can help keep saliva production in your mouth. Make sure you choose sugar-free gum so that it doesn't easily invite bacteria in the mouth.
5. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
Drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine can dry out the mouth if too much is consumed. As a result, teeth and gums can become dry and easily damaged.
Nobody wants porous teeth. If you are one of the people who are at risk of experiencing it, start taking care of your teeth more regularly, so that your teeth can last in good condition until old age. In addition, do not forget to regularly check the condition of your teeth and mouth to the dentist every 6 months.