When it comes to oral health, most people are aware that they need to be diligent with their oral hygiene routine to enjoy sparkling, healthy teeth, but did you know that your diet also has a massive impact on the health of your teeth and gums?

Foods to avoid

If you want gleaming, strong teeth and healthy gums, there are certain foods, which you should try to avoid. Unfortunately, this list includes many of the delights we like to treat ourselves to, but this doesn’t mean that they are banned, just that they should be restricted. Foods that are sugary and starchy are bad news for your teeth and gums because they cause bacteria in your mouth to feed and release harmful acids, which erode and weaken your tooth enamel and increase the risk of dental plaque, which is the most common cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

Foods and drinks that are acidic should also be avoided where possible, as the acidity weakens the tooth enamel and once the enamel is worn, it cannot be replaced.

Examples of foods and drinks that are ‘bad’ for your teeth include:

• sweets and candy
• chocolate
• cakes
• biscuits
• crisps
• fizzy pop
• fruit juice (this is often very acidic)
• wine
• vinaigrette salad dressing

Eating habits

It is not just what you eat that affects your oral health; it’s also important to look at when you eat. When you eat and acids are released by the bacteria in your mouth, the enamel is temporarily weakened; if you eat all day, this means that your enamel is under constant attack. We recommend sticking to three meals a day and avoiding grazing.

It is also important to remember to wait for a bit after you have eaten to brush your teeth so that the enamel has time to recover and harden again; brushing while it is weakened increases the risk of damage. To arrange a consultation for a dental hygiene visit in the city of London get in touch with us today.