Food is not just a source of nourishment and energy, it is also a way of connecting with people, an art form. It can be a source of joy and a lifestyle choice if you wish.
But food isn't always good. Sometimes foods cause your mouth to smell bad, feel unclean, or even damage your teeth.
Certain foods can wear down tooth enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, and lead to bad breath. Even if the foods you consume don't have an impact on your oral health, your mouth often feels "unclean" between meals, and you may even experience dryness and bad breath.
While this may seem inevitable, there are many ways to keep your mouth healthy and clean between meals. Check out our 5 tips.
1. Watch out for carbohydrates
Like we mentioned before, there are some foods that are bad for your teeth. The most harmful are foods like bread, pasta and sugar. Bacteria are responsible for a lot of food-induced dental problems, and bacteria love sugar, whether it's straight up sugar (such as jams and candies) or carbohydrates that have already been converted by the body (such as potato chips), and the bacteria in your mouth are always ready for a full meal.
Acids erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to sensitivity and yellowing. In addition to acids, soda, tea and alcohol can also harbor stains. If your teeth look dark in color, try quitting these foods and drinks for a while.
If you want healthy, long-lasting teeth, try to avoid the above foods and eat more lean meats, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products. If you have a hard time not consuming carbohydrates and acidic foods, try consuming them with your regular meals and remember to brush your teeth afterward.
2. Chewing gum and mints
It goes without saying that you know how refreshing it is to eat a mint after a garlicky meal. However, do you know the actual benefits of chewing gum and mints for your teeth? The answer is actually quite simple.
Mints and mint-flavored gum encourage the mouth to produce more saliva. Saliva replenishes the minerals in your teeth, making them stronger, and it also flushes out any residue in your mouth after a meal. In addition, the mint flavor really helps to mask the strong taste of other foods.
3. Stay hydrated
Did you know that drinking water contributes to the health of the entire body, including internal organs, skin, hair and mental condition? Water also keeps your mouth healthy and ensures fresh breath between meals.
Water not only rinses away food left over from meals, but it also keeps your mouth moisturized. Bacteria that produce oral odors thrive in a dry mouth, so if you can keep your mouth adequately hydrated, the bacteria won't have a chance to survive.
4. Control snacking
Just as controlling your sugar and carbohydrate intake can help freshen your breath, controlling your snacking has the same effect. The more you snack, the more food debris builds up in your mouth. These food scraps become a delicacy for bacteria, which can spread throughout your mouth, giving you a strong urge to brush your teeth.
If you're craving a snack, eat something low in sugar. Carrot and celery sticks are a particularly good choice. Not only because they are low in sugar, but also because they are rich in water, which keeps your mouth moist.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
If you are having a hard time doing all of the above, but would like to have good teeth, then go to your dentist and make an appointment for a cleaning. After the cleaning, the doctor will give you the most suitable dental care program according to your personal situation.
