ThameDental Clinic

Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour. This is because the sugar will react with the bacteria in plaque (the sticky coating on your teeth) and produce harmful acids. So it is important to limit sugary food and drinks to mealtimes, therefore limiting the amount of time your mouth is at risk.

Acidic food and drinks can be just as harmful. The acid ‘erodes’ or dissolves the enamel, exposing the dentine underneath. This can make your teeth sensitive and unsightly.

A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh fruit and vegetables can help to prevent gum disease, which can lead too tooth loss and cause bad breath.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay damages your teeth and leads to fillings, and even extractions. Decay happens when sugar reacts with bacteria, forming harmful acids that attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. Over time, the enamel may break down, forming a hole or ‘cavity’ in the dentine, causing the tooth to decay more quickly.

What foods can cause decay?

All sugars can cause decay. Sugar can come in many forms, including sucrose, fructose and glucose, all of which can damage your teeth.

Can food and drink cause erosion?

Acidic food and drinks can cause dental erosion – the gradual dissolving of the tooth enamel. These include fruits, juices and fizzy drinks.

Can I eat snacks?

It is better for your teeth and general health if you eat three meals a day, instead of having additional snacks. If you do need to snack between meals, choose foods that do not contain sugar. Fruit does contain acids, which can erode your teeth, however this is only damaging to your teeth if you eat it in unusually large amounts. Try not to have a lot of dried fruit, as it is high in sugar and sticks to your teeth, prolonging the exposure to harmful acids. If you do eat fruit as a snack, try to eat something alkaline, such as cheese afterwards. Many savoury snacks are a better option, such as raw vegetables, nuts and breadsticks.

Can I eat sweets?

The main point to remember is that it is not the among of sugar you eat or drink, but how often you do it. Sweet foods are allowed, but it is important to keep them to mealtimes.

To help reduce tooth decay, cut down on how often you are having sugary food and drinks, and try to have sugar-free varieties where possible.

What should I drink?

Still water and milk are food choices. It is better for your teeth if you drink fruit juices just at meal times. If you are drinking them between meals, try diluting them with water.

Fizzy drinks an increase the risk of dental problems. The sugar can cause decays and the acid can dissolve tooth enamel. The risk is higher when you have these drinks between meals.

Should I brush my teeth after every meal?

It is important that you brush last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a toothpaste containing fluoride.

Eating and drinking foods containing sugar and acids naturally weakens the enamel on your teeth. Brushing straight afterwards can cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. It is best to avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes after eating.

Does chewing gum help?

Chewing gum makes your mouth produce more saliva, which helps to cancel out the acid in your mouth after eating or drinking. It has been proven that using sugar-free chewing gum after meals can prevent tooth decay. However, it is important to use on sugar-free gum, as ordinary chewing gum contains sugar and therefore may damage teeth.