Eating for Dental Health By Eric Seidel, DMD

Ever hear the phrase “You are what you eat”? This phrase also relates to the health of your mouth as well. It is important to understand the science behind a healthy mouth and gums. Eating sweets is always attributed to getting tooth decay. Although this is true, it’s a little more involved than just avoiding the cookie jar.

Our teeth, if not brushed frequently, develop a sticky biofilm called plaque. The plaque contains bacteria that use the sugars from the foods and drinks we consume to produce acid that attacks the enamel covering our teeth. After consuming food or drinks, the acidity can attack our teeth for twenty or more minutes after we are finished. Our saliva acts as a buffer system and neutralizes the acidity, but this takes some time to occur. Some foods such as sodas, teas, sports drinks and very sugary or sticky foods can really be harmful to our teeth, but most of the foods we eat including fruit and milk have sufficient amounts of sugar or acidity to harm our teeth.

Moderation is the key to most things in life. Eating for dental health is no different. It is important to avoid having our mouth stay acidic. Sipping drinks such as coffee, tea or sodas during the day creates huge cavities risk. If you are going to have a cup of coffee or tea, drink it, then rinse with water or better yet brush if you are able to. Soda and sweetened iced tea should be viewed as eating dessert and only be done once in a while, not every day. Energy drinks have created a whole new set of issues and should also be placed in the same category as soda and iced tea. Sports drinks are not much different and also should be watered down or not consumed over long periods of time.

When eating meals, rinsing after with water or brushing is always recommended. Preventing plaque buildup from forming on our teeth has huge long term benefit to the health of our teeth. Snacking or grazing creates more times when our teeth are under attack from acidity. Although eliminating snacking may not be possible, try to limit how often you do and try to choose snacks that are not sugary or sticky. Eating fruits is healthy for our bodies and gums but be aware they also contain high levels of sugar and citrus fruits contain a lot of natural acidity. I am a big proponent of sugarless gums or mints, particularly those that contain Xyliltol. Not only do they not cause tooth decay, but also help prevent it and are great after meals or snacks to help reduce cavity risk.

In summary, try to avoid any sugary snacks between meal times. Brushing, rinsing or drinking water and using sugarless gums and mints after meals and snacks help prevent cavities. Try to avoid the “sipping” habits with anything but water. Do not use breath mints, etc. unless sugarless (preferably containing xylitol). Remember that it is not only what you eat but how often that makes a difference for dental health. Constant bombardment of our teeth with acid will cause demineralization and eventually lead to cavities. A few changes in our habits can lead to a healthy mouth for a lifetime!
Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is a general dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193