The cariogenic foods They are those products that, when ingested, facilitate the production of dental cavities, posing a risk to our dental health. In this article I will show you a list of the 10 most common. When it comes to preventing tooth decay, it is important to know which foods pose the greatest threat to our dental health..
In addition to maintaining proper oral hygiene, removing plaque with effective and frequent cleaning, using toothpastes and fluoride rinses, and visiting the dentist regularly, it is advisable to pay attention to the foods we eat during our meals, as these are a key factor. when it comes to preventing tooth decay.
Among the various factors that predispose each person to acquire this widespread dental disease, the quality of the diet is one of the fundamental factors.
In this regard, it is recommended to eat a balanced diet, opting for natural foods that facilitate natural cleansing through our own salivation, and above all avoid cariogenic foods..
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When evaluating to what extent a food is cariogenic, we must take into account several factors. Among them, it is convenient to analyze the characteristics of the food, among which we find its level of:
The more "sticky" the food is, the more time our teeth will spend in contact and the easier it will be for them to act negatively on them.
Hard and fibrous foods like apples or carrots help with natural cleansing by creating saliva, while soft foods like cookies or chocolate tend to make the mouth more dirty..
Compounds of small particles have a greater chance of remaining between cavities after cleaning.
The cariogenicity of a food is greater if it is eaten as a snack between meals, instead of being part of breakfast, lunch or dinner.
This is because during meals there is more salivation and we normally spend more time chewing the different foods that make up the plate, which also produces a greater movement that accelerates the elimination of waste..
As it is logical, the more frequently we eat cariogenic foods, the more possibilities exist for the formation of cavities..
What foods should we avoid then? Broadly speaking, the cariogenic food par excellence is sugar, especially in a high index with respect to other components of the product and in combination with carbohydrates.
With this in mind, if we want to reduce the risk of tooth decay through a change in our eating habits, we should pay special attention to the following foods.
They are the food with the highest percentage of sugar and therefore, the most dangerous for our teeth.
If you do not want to completely eliminate their intake, it is recommended to choose those that disappear quickly from the mouth, avoid chewing them at all costs and do not consume those that stick to the teeth easily, such as gummy candies or licorice..
Drinks such as colas, orangeade or similar (any sweet soda with bubbles) contain a high amount of sugar and being liquid, they get into the interdental cavities.
Also diet or light sodas and those without bubbles can increase the risk of cavities, since their consumption reduces tooth enamel and does not provide any of the beneficial qualities for our teeth that water has when we drink it.
Starch-refined carbohydrates have the ability to transform into sugars; therefore, they are considered cariogenic foods, especially if teeth are not cleaned after eating them between meals..
Despite the many benefits that natural fruit juices provide, it is becoming more and more common to find juices based on concentrates or with added sugars in homes.
In many cases, these packaged juices provide ingredients that sweeten their flavor to make them more attractive, but many of the original properties of the fruit are eliminated (such as fiber or high vitamin value).
Therefore, it is advisable to choose natural juices and drink them in moderation, or at least review the ingredients of packaged juices to choose those with the lowest percentage of sugar..
Despite their exquisite flavor, chocolates and bonbons are highly cariogenic foods due to their high sugar level and above all, the soft and sticky texture, easily adherent to the teeth, that they present in most cases..
The best option to avoid cavities is to choose chocolates with as little sugar as possible.
As with soft drinks and concentrated juices, ice creams melt easily in the mouth and become liquid, which makes it easier for sugary residues to get between the teeth as much as smoothies..
Among its varieties, the most cariogenic flavors are those with a higher concentration of sugar such as chocolate or dulce de leche, and those that use sugary cream bases or flavored slush water. Choose those that have a low sugar index and your teeth will thank you.
In most breakfast cereals or cereal bars we will find honey or sugar as part of its ingredients.
Its texture makes it easier for the remains to stick to the teeth, so after consuming them, a thorough brushing of the teeth is recommended, with special attention to the molars..
Croissants, donuts, cakes, pies and cakes are also one of the foods with a higher sugar and carbohydrate index, and in many cases, especially if they are industrially manufactured, they do not contain a healthy nutritional value.
They are of course included in the list of cariogenic foods and we should moderate their intake.
Neither infusions nor coffee carry the increased risk of cavities per se, but we hardly ever drink these beverages alone. We always usually add sugar or honey to sweeten its flavor, so we must be careful with the quantities.
Being liquid, they will penetrate more easily between the teeth, and if they are taken in excess between meals they could pose a threat to our dental health.
Dried plums, figs or raisins can also become a danger to our teeth due to their sticky texture, high sugar level and because it is common to eat them as a snack between meals. When eating them, it is advisable to wash your teeth afterwards..
In addition to these tips, keep in mind that there are also foods that have an inhibitory effect on cariogenic processes. Contrary to what happens with those mentioned in this list, they create a positive effect by preventing the accumulation of plaque and debris, and benefit protection against cavities thanks to their properties.
The main components that increase the natural protection of our body against cavities are: fluoride (either in food or administered topically in a rinse or denitrify), foods with calcium and phosphorus (prevent demineralization of the tooth), and foods that provide good levels of iron and protein.
And do you have problems with some of these foods?
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