Can food and drink cause dental erosion?

     

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay damages the teeth and leads to fillings or even extractions. Tooth decay happens when sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque. This forms the acids that attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel may break down, forming a hole or 'cavity' into the dentine. The tooth can then decay more quickly.

Can food and drink cause erosion?

Acidic food and drinks can cause dental erosion - the gradual dissolving of the tooth enamel. Listed below are the 'pH values' of some food and drinks. The lower the pH number, the more acidic product. pH value lower than 5.5 may cause erosion. 'Alkalis' have a high pH number and cancel out the acid effects of sugars .

·         Mineral water (still) pH 7.6

·         Milk pH 6.9

·         Cheddar cheese pH 5.9

·         Lager pH 4.4

·         Orange juice pH 3.8

·         Grapefruit pH 3.3

·         Pickles pH 3.2

·         Cola pH 2.5

·         Red wine pH 2.5

Vinegar pH 2.0

·        Why is a healthy diet important for oral health?

Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups promotes healthy teeth and gums. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods and whole grains provides essential nutrients for optimum oral health as well as overall health.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including:
• whole grains
• fruits
• vegetables
• lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes
• low-fat and fat-free dairy foods

 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 only sugar-free gum, as ordinary chewing gum contains sugar and therefore may damage your teeth.