Fun facts: What you didn’t know about food and oral health relationship
It’s obvious that high daily intake of sugar may increase the risk of tooth decay and diabetes. But did you know that not all sugars affect our enamel in the same way? Is it possible to prevent decay by making small changes in our diet? Let’s see if you know the answers.
Intrinsic sugars
These are naturally occurring sugars. Easily found in fruits and vegetables, which are the staples of a healthy diet. It’s mainly glucose and fructose packed in the cells of veggies. Whereas processed sugars, or sugars that are added to food, are considered extrinsic (sacharose, maltose, dextrose and free glucose and fructose as well). It’s easier for saliva to cleanse mouth from intrinsic sugars. This is why we should avoid eating too many sweets, cakes, drinking sodas and sweetened juices. That’s the best way to cut on extrinsic sugars.
Orange juice has a higher erosive potential than a soda
There is no doubt that fruit juices are more harmful for enamel than fresh fruits. We also know that it’s better to eat more sugary and acid food in one sitting, than in couple portions. Read about it here. But did you know that it is easier for saliva to neutralise cola than orange juice? Yes, that’s right. Orange, apple and grapefruit juices are highly erosive. It’s better for our teeth to eats fruits and drink some water instead.
Black tea is more likely to satin your teeth than coffee
That’s because black tea contains more of a natural class of compounds called tannins. Tannins stick to your teeth because they’re attracted to the protein in enamel. Coffee stains teeth too, but it contains less tannins.
Eat the foods you love, just know the risk. And don’t forget to wait extra 30 minutes after every meal with brushing. It will help with natural remineralisation of your teeth.
