admin
Jan 04, 2023
Oral health is often undervalued until there is a serious problem or pain in the mouth. While teeth are still given importance, gums take a backseat when it comes to maintaining hygiene. Most people do not know that gums are also vulnerable to decay and ailments because of the accumulation of plaque.
The problem begins as gingivitis and can grow into periodontitis, which causes gum recession and loss of teeth. It is vital to pay attention to inflammation and bleeding of gums and get your gums examined by a practitioner every few months.
Also, it would help if you were careful with your diet. Similar to what sticky foods do to our teeth, some foods can damage our gums. Plaque that is not removed results in hardened tartar that is present next to the gum line and causes gum disease. So, here is a list of seven foods that should not be a part of your diet if you wish to maintain healthy gums.
1. Sodas and Sports Drinks
Sodas and sports drinks have high sugar and acid content that can impact the health of our teeth and gums. Sugar creates an ideal environment in the mouth for the rapid growth of bacteria that leads to plaque build-up.
The acid produced in the mouth erodes tooth enamel and leads to gum disease. Sodas that contain caffeine are more harmful to the gums because they are involved in causing dry mouth symptoms.
2. White Bread
Over the years, the negative impact of white bread on overall health has been emphasised by fitness enthusiasts. However, it continues to be a comfort food because of easy accessibility and no cooking hassle. The problem with white bread is that it turns into a sugary paste after chewing in the mouth.
The sticky paste gets deposited on the teeth and under the gums. Since it is made from white flour, it contains a lot of starch which is bad for oral health. Crackers and pasta also fall into the same category because they consist of simple carbohydrates which convert into sugar and wreak havoc in our mouths.
3. Acidic Fruits
Citric fruits like oranges, lemons, tomatoes and grapefruits are known to impact gums and teeth because of the presence of acids and sugar in them. Although these fruits are loaded with vitamin C, they can interfere with your oral health. They are effective in eroding tooth enamel and making our mouth vulnerable to gum disease and cavities.
4. Too Hot and Cold Foods
Consuming extremely hot or cold food and drinks can cause sensitivity of teeth and gums. The shooting pain felt in the jaw when you sip hot coffee, or a frozen drink is an indication of receding gums.
The tartar that accumulates near the gum line makes the gums recede and exposes the roots of teeth that cause pain. If the problem is not addressed by visiting your expert Hope Island dentists, it can lead to the creation of pockets in the gums that can cause tooth loss.
5. Popcorn
Popcorn is a common snack that can be quickly popped into the oven to munch during TV time. Although it is a healthy snack because it is made from whole grain and has high fibre, it can be damaging to teeth. The husk on the popcorn gets deposited between the gaps in teeth and the space between gums.
If it remains stuck in the gap, it can lead to painful infection in the gums. Thus, if you are unable to get the husk stuck in your teeth, you must visit your dentist in Hope Island to get it removed immediately.
6. Candies and Dry Fruits
Sugar and sour candies are strictly prohibited if your teeth are susceptible to cavities. They are also bad for gums because they get stuck on the teeth and help in the growth of harmful bacteria. Dry fruits are also filled with sugar and are sticky in nature, which makes them stay in the mouth for a long time and cause tooth decay.
Since they get deposited in gaps and hard-to-reach areas, they are not cleaned while brushing and leading to cavities and gum problems. If you are eating dry fruits, you must rinse your mouth afterwards to stop them from lingering in the mouth for a long time. You should brush for at least 30 minutes after consuming these foods as it can make the acids impact the tooth enamel.
7. Ice Cream
If your gums are inflamed or bleed during brushing and eating hard foods, ice cream can worsen the condition. The primary reason behind this is that they contain high sugar, which erodes the enamel and causes dental problems.
The icy cold temperature of the food impacts the gums and causes sensitivity. Consuming sweet foods can also increase blood glucose levels that cause periodontitis.
Conclusion
What we eat in a day seriously impacts our oral and overall health. It is best to avoid starchy, sticky and acidic foods if you have been facing dental problems. Speak to your dentist for a balanced diet chart plan for optimum oral health.
