Dentist warns how one everyday food could be seriously damaging your teeth
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Tunvarat Pruksachat/Getty Images
Our teeth may be incredibly strong, but they are still susceptible to erosion from bacteria, plaque, and certain foods, which is why dentists recommend limiting beverages with added sugar, chocolate, and other treats.
Worryingly, about 76 percent of British consumers are also chowing down on another manufactured product that can possibly cause major upset in our mouths.
“What we eat and drink plays such an important role in our oral health, both for good and for bad. When we take a bite of food, bacteria and saliva in the mouth rush to break down carbohydrates and sugars and this process produces acids that can damage tooth enamel,” explained Dr Tony Taunk of Implant Perfection.
According to UK Flour Millers, more than three-quarters of UK dwellers are eating white bread—a product that contains refined carbohydrates.
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According to the dental health expert, the bread gets broken down into sugar when you eat it and sticks to the surfaces of teeth, as per SomersetLive.
“It’s also common for chewing to create small amounts of the bread broken down into a paste-like texture which can get stuck in crevices between teeth and provide a rich source of food for the bacteria.”
Dr Taunk stressed that while bread was not ‘inherently bad food for your teeth’, the sugar and acids that it produces can contribute to cavities and decay.
The expert, who doesn’t want you to stop eating the store cupboard staple, claimed you should rinse your mouth out with water after eating it.
This way, you will get rid of any lingering particles or residue.
Be sure to wait around one hour before brushing to allow saliva to complete its role of neutralising acids, too.
According to experts at Zoe, 55 percent of people should only eat white bread once in a while, and only in small amounts.
This is because the carbohydrate can cause large sugar spikes, which aren’t good for your health and can make you feel hungry again soon nafter eating.
Researchers at the brand said that the remaining 45 percent of people should be consuming it in moderation—around two to three times per week.
Healtheir alternatives to white bread include sourdough and rye bread, as well as oatcakes, wholegrain crackers and oat pancakes.
If you’re not willing to compromise on your ritualistic Saturday evening burger, then why not swap out the bun for a lettuce leaf wrap instead?
Other bread substitutes to try include corn, reduced-carb, whole-grain tortillas and sweet potatoes, as per Banner Health.