Are chocolates and sweets truly your main nemesis when it comes to oral health? These dental health experts give us a surprising lowdown…
In the era of running clubs and juice cleanses, we give our health a lot of attention. But an often overlooked aspect? Our oral health. You might think daily brushing and flossing suffice in keeping your teeth pristine. But, unknown to you, invisible bacteria may be lurking in your mouth due to other lifestyle habits – including what you eat. And spoiler alert: it’s not just saccharine treats and junk food fuelling these nasty bacteria.
We ditched the desktop research and spoke to two dental health experts from Q&M Dental Group to find out how oral bacteria form in the mouth and what unsuspecting foods trigger bacteria.
TL;DR: How bacteria breed in the mouth
Warm, moist, and constantly exposed to food particles, your mouth is akin to a five-star hotel for bacteria, says associate dentist Dr Zatarie Hoe. When you eat – especially foods high in sugar and starch – bacteria in your mouth feed on these nutrients and produce acids as waste. Without proper cleaning, these bacteria multiply and form plaque, leading to oral health issues over time.
Sticky or sweet food also tends to linger on the tooth surface for a longer time, adds associate dentist Dr Jastara Kaur Gill. This prolonged exposure gives bacteria more time to produce acid, contributing to an acidic environment that increases the risk of decay. Plus, these foods tend to reduce saliva in the mouth, a key buffer against the acids, thanks to their beneficial ions.
What if these communities of bacteria are not removed in the long run? Well, it’s your ticket to a host of oral care problems like gum problems, cavities and bad breath.
5 surprising foods that can be bad for your teeth
1. Bananas
Candies and chocolates often take the heat for being harmful to your teeth. But surprise, surprise. Natural food sources, including fruits like bananas, are far from innocent.
High in natural sugars (an average of 15g per banana!) with sticky fibres, bananas easily cling to the tooth surface and provide fuel for bacteria, especially if not rinsed or brushed away properly.
2. Bread
Think plain white bread is in the clear? Made of rapidly digestible starch, white bread is quickly broken down into sugar in the mouth. These sugars feed bacteria, in turn producing acids and increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Dr Jastara suggests bread with a lower glycemic index, like sourdough, as a better alternative when it comes to preventing oral bacterial growth. These breads contain more resistant starch and don’t reduce the acid level of dental plaque as much, he adds.
3. Tomatoes
Juicy and bursting with vitamins and minerals, tomatoes are one of our top picks for a nutritious meal. But its acidity? Not looking that rosy, with a pH level of 4 to 4.6 (Coke’s pH level is about 2.6), according to Dr Jastara.
This acidity can increase the risk of tooth decay, cavities and enamel erosion, making your teeth more vulnerable to bacterial attacks. But, he explains that having them in moderation and as part of a meal with other components can help neutralise this acidity.
4. Chips
Nope, it’s not just sweet treats that are being called out. The bag of chips you eat during your Netflix marathon sessions isn’t off the hook either. They contain high amounts of sugar and starch that bacteria love, says Dr Hoe. Coupled with crumbly textures and small particles that easily get stuck in the grooves of the teeth, these can further increase the risk of decay.
5. Coffee
Your morning cuppa? Guilty as charged. Acidic and known to reduce saliva production, coffee can dry out the mouth, Dr Hoe shares. With saliva playing a key role in neutralising acids and washing away bacteria, a dry mouth becomes a favourable breeding ground. It’s all about having it in moderation, Dr Jastara chimes in, adding that having less than three cups without added sugar shouldn’t lead to oral dryness.
Your way to healthier, shinier teeth
Spot your favourite foods in the list? That’s not to say they’re on the chopping block for good. Bacteria in the mouth are normal and unavoidable, and even protective at healthy levels, says Dr Jastara. But the problem arises when your teeth aren’t cleaned regularly and thoroughly.
Good oral health habits – regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups – are your first line of prevention against bacteria, advises Dr Hoe. Plus, it goes a long way to incorporate healthier habits, such as drinking water regularly to maintain saliva flow, limiting sugary and acidic snacks between meals, and rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after consuming sticky or starchy foods.
When it comes to maintaining these oral health habits, having the right tools are just as important – and that includes a formidable toothpaste that can keep pesky bacteria at bay. Enter the upgraded Colgate Total Active Prevention series.
This new formula is said to offer 24-hour anti-bacterial protection and can help tackle the root cause of eight key oral care issues. Think cavities, bad breath, gum problems, enamel erosion, plaque, tartar, teeth sensitivity and stains. It’s not just raved about because of its functionality. This unique formula is foamy and minty, leaving a long-lasting cooling sensation on your sparkling teeth.
Plus, the Colgate Total Active Prevention series comes in different variants tailored to your needs. Choose among the Fresh Mint (our pick for a fresh, minty brushing experience), Charcoal Clean (a thorough cleanse that leaves the mouth feeling clean and fresh), and Whitening (to remove surface stains for whiter-looking teeth). Those who want to prevent malodour and overnight bad breath can opt for Breath Health, while the Sensitivity and Gum Health option is great if you’re looking to prevent teeth sensitivity and care for your gums.
Available online via Shopee and Lazada, and at retailers, supermarkets and pharmacies islandwide, let the Colgate Total Active Prevention series help keep pesky bacteria at bay while allowing you to indulge in your favourite food!
Important notice: This paid advertorial is for general information and should not be considered medical advice. While we strive for accuracy, medical conditions vary, and the treatments mentioned may not suit everyone. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance. All expert input is for informational purposes only and does not imply or constitute any product and/or service endorsement.
This post is in partnership with Colgate.
