While most people are aware to some degree that the food you eat can affect your oral health, most of us don’t actually realise just how much our diet influences not only our teeth, but other factors of oral health such as our breath. In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the foods that cause these problems, and explain what a dental hygienist at Naenae Dental can do for you.
Which sugary foods cause tooth decay?
The most common source of liquid sugar, and one of the largest potential causes of tooth decay, comes in the form of sugary drinks – soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit juice, which are all not only are high in sugar, but contain very high levels of acid which also contributes to decay and weakening of tooth enamel.
Research has definitively linked drinking even one or two sugary drinks a day to tooth decay, and constantly sipping on them or holding them in your mouth for a long time increases the risk further. These drinks are even worse when consumed in combination with sticky, sugary foods such as candy, toffees, and lollipops. These stay in your mouth for a long time and release sugar slowly, increasing the time your teeth are exposed to sugar.
Foods that cause bad breath
It’s commonly known that some foods are potential causes of bad breath, but we don’t often end up changing our habits to make sure that our breath isn’t causing discomfort for those around us. Garlic, onions, and spicy foods contribute to bad breath, as do tuna and other fish – so remember to drink some water and brush your teeth next time after you order the spicy fish curry down at the food court!
Coffee drinkers also need to be aware that their favourite beverage can cause bad breath – most people who drink coffee consume it on a daily basis, so it’s important to always follow it up by brushing your teeth or drinking some water. Alcoholic drinks have the same effect – they contribute to a dry mouth, which allows bacteria to survive without saliva washing it away and helping your breath smell fresher.
How can a dental hygienist help you?
As well as being a reliable and experienced dentist Wellington can trust, Naenae Dental also has dental hygienists on site to maintain the health of teeth through a scale and polish and general clean. This care helps to prevent issues such as gingivitis and gum disease, and a hygienist visit can often unveil other tooth problems that you weren’t aware of, while removing stains and deposits from your teeth and polishing them thoroughly.
Naenae Dental is a Wellington dental clinic providing a range of services, including dental fillings and much more. Our dentists have decades of combined experience helping people keep their teeth in the best condition possible – so come into our clinic located at 9 Hillary Court in Naenae today!
