Salt and sugar are found in many foods that you may love. Whether you enjoy chocolate chip cookies or brownies or prefer to indulge in foods like potato chips or pizza, you may be wondering how salt and sugar affect your teeth.
When you eat sugary foods or drink sugary beverages, some of the sugar hangs out on your teeth. Harmful bacteria eat this sugar and the hard outer surface of your teeth known as enamel. This may eventually lead to cavities and damage your teeth.
While the salt itself won’t damage your tooth enamel, salt is often found in carbohydrates and processed foods that may do so. This is because oral bacteria produces acids any time you eat a carbohydrate and comes in contact with tooth enamel by plaque that may form in your mouth during the day. The more time the plaque remains in your mouth, the more likely your tooth enamel will sustain damage.
Although both salt and sugar are bad for your teeth, sugary foods and beverages are probably worse because the sugar itself can do some serious damage. If you’d like to keep your teeth in optimal shape, there are a number of foods and beverages we recommend. These include water, milk, cheese, and other dairy products, fish, fruits, and veggies.
In addition to adhering to a healthy diet, you can keep your teeth in tip-top condition by brushing them at least twice a day and flossing them daily. You should also visit the dentist at least every six months for a professional exam and cleaning. Even our very good friend, Pensacola orthodontist Clay Sims, has said that a diet can help with orthodontic treatments as well.
Contact Mile High Smiles
For more information on food and beverages that are good and bad for your teeth, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levitin. Call us at (720) 239-1916. We look forward to hearing from you!
