Bad Eating Habits Among Youth Increase Dental Issues

Whatever the kind of food and beverage that you consume, some amount of decay is bound to happen: bacteria in the mouth helps break down the food that we eat, which also releases acids that damage the tooth enamel. Here are the most common bad eating habits of today’s youth.

This damage of the tooth enamel should not really be a problem, since the teeth is able to regain the lost minerals with fluoride, saliva and diet. Problematic tooth decay happens when the damage happens faster than the body can replenish. When left untreated, plaque buildup happens which eventually leads to cavity formation and tooth loss.

1. Sticky foods. The main aspect of dental decay is the release of acids from the interaction of food and bacteria, which further increases when food particles remain the mouth for a long period of time. Sticky foods like caramel and raisins, as well as food that break into smaller pieces and get lodged between teeth, should be avoided.
2. Mid-meal snacking. Constant food presence in the mouth encourages bacterial activity. Frequent eating and sipping on coffee or other drinks throughout the day increases the risk of tooth decay, especially since many people do not brush their teeth after snacking.
3. Starchy and sugary foods. Research has shown that eating sugar-rich foods increases the risk of developing tooth decay. Sugar in foods come from sweets and candy, as well as from starchy foods like potatoes and bread.
4. Night snacking. Eating snacks or meals at night and then failing to brush your teeth before going to sleep promotes enamel erosion and dental decay. It should also be considered that there is increased bacterial activity during sleep.
5. Sports drinks. Many people might not know it but a high intake of energy or sports drinks can lead to tooth decay and dental erosion, as most of these drinks also contain a high amount of sugar. It is currently being subjected to more research.
6. Carbonated and acidic drinks.Studies have shown that sugary, acidic and carbonated drinks, as well as processed fruit juices, reduce the hardness of the enamel of the teeth. This makes the teeth more prone to erosion.
7. Alcohol drinks. Alcohol abuse increases the risk for tooth decay and dental caries because of the sugar and acid content. Although moderate drinks do not have the same level of risk, the drying of the mouth because of reduced salivation promotes plaque buildup and later on to dental caries.

Eating habits play a huge role in dental health and oral hygiene. However, there are many other factors that you also have to consider. First is to follow a regular oral care routine, including brushing and flossing regularly. Also important to schedule a dental appointment with your dentist twice a year for checkup and professional cleaning.