There are 2 things in your diet that have an effect on your teeth:
- Sugar
- Acid
It is not only the QUANTITY of them you consume, but also the FREQUENCY that effects your teeth. If you keep sugary foods and acidic drinks to meal times rather than snacking and sipping in between meals, it will have less of an adverse effect on your teeth than having them throughout the day.
Sugar, diet and your teeth
Acid is produced when the bacteria in your mouth break down sugar. The acid dissolves the tooth surface, which is the first stage of tooth decay.
Examples of sugary foods:
- Soft drink and Energy Drinks
- Flavoured milk
- Biscuits and Cakes
- Chocolate and Lollies
- Certain breakfast cereals and cereal bars
If you want to check how much sugar is in food, check the packaging label before you buy. The ‘carbohydrates of which sugars’ tells you mow much sugar is in food.
- More than 22.5g of sugar per 100g is high
- 5g of sugars or less per 100g is low
Acid
Acid in drinks slowly dissolves your teeth causing wear. It is very important to limit the amount of acidic drinks you have
Examples of acidic drinks:
- Lemon/citrus fruits added to water
- Fizzy drinks including soda water
- Fruit juice
- Wine
Do not to brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after having an acidic drink. Acidic drinks weaken your tooth enamel, so brushing too soon can actually cause more damage.
You can reduce the impact of acidic drinks by rinsing your mouth with water after to dilute the acid.