Foods that are high in sugars, carbohydrates and starches significantly contribute to the formation of plaque and the production of acids. This “plaquey” acidic environment leads to the breakdown of tooth enamel and the start of tooth decay. Almost ALL foods contain some form of sugar.
Unfortunately we can not eliminate ALL foods from our diet. We need the important nutrients that they provide. So how can we control the amount of sugar we consume? Read food labels carefully and avoid foods that have a high sugar content. Choose “low in sugar” or “no sugar added” products.
New research is coming out everyday about how bad sodas are for our health. Today, I’m focusing on the effects it has on our teeth. Have you heard the slogan, “Sip all day, get decay?” It’s TRUE! The sugar in sodas combined with its very acidic pH combines with the acids in your mouth to form a tooth “jackhammer”. This “jackhammer” starts chipping away at your tooth enamel in as little as 20 minutes after a single sip of soda. So if you’re sipping over an extended period of time, the “jackhammer” is stuck in the ON position. This causes extensive damage to enamel leading to tooth decay. Kids and teens are especially susceptible because their enamel is not fully formed.