date of publication:
October 02 2022 21:21 GMT
Update date: October 02 2022 22:00 GMT
Experts confirm that what a person eats affects the health of his teeth, as there are many daily food choices, which may contribute to dental and gum problems, as the accumulation of “plaque” leads to tooth decay, and the resulting bacteria can cause gum disease.
In a report from the Guardian website, experts explain that the key element in a healthy smile is a healthy diet, pointing to the most important daily habits whose application leads to maintaining a healthy smile and optimal oral health.
The best time to eat sugar
Doctors stress that “sugar”, regardless of whether it is white, brown, honey or fructose, all sugars are equal, and bacteria that feed on sugar in your mouth cause “plaque”, which forms on your teeth and under the gums.
They explain that “after eating sugar, acid is produced in the mouth, which attacks the protective enamel layer of your teeth.” Therefore, for optimal oral health, experts advise not to eat more than 30 grams per day of sugars, which is equivalent to seven sugar cubes.
However, this does not mean that you need to avoid all your favorite foods.” If you like to eat chocolate occasionally, eat it after a meal when more saliva is produced: because saliva dilutes the acids on the surface of the teeth that occur when you eat foods containing on sugar.”
The same goes for dried fruits like raisins, dates and apricots, which are high in sugar and can stick to your teeth, so it’s best to enjoy them at meals rather than as a snack.
Three meals a day
Eating sugary snacks all day means your teeth are under constant attack, you’re basically keeping them in a sugar bath, and when you eat sweet food, within 30-40 minutes your saliva works to reduce acidity, but it can’t do that if you’re snacking. Always”.
Experts advise sticking to three meals a day, and if you must eat a snack, eat it at once instead of eating it for long periods, so that the saliva works in your mouth.
A piece of cheese or carrots
Another trick is to grab a piece of cheese after eating something sweet, as the cheese helps counteract acidity.
Chewing foods such as vegetables and sugar-free gum after meals stimulates saliva flow and can also be beneficial for oral health. Foods rich in fiber that require a lot of grinding have a mechanical effect, such as a natural toothbrush, on the teeth. Radishes, they are all rich in nutrients but low in sugar.
Comprehensive dental cleaning
Doctors recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
It is worth noting that brushing cleans only up to 60% of the surfaces of the teeth, and the secret to reaching the other parts lies in the use of an interdental brush, which removes bacteria from between the teeth and under the gum line, which helps reduce “plaque” and the chances of disease gums.