There’s nothing better than a gooey pan of macaroni and cheese or a gigantic pot of homemade pasta sauce. Or maybe BBQ ribs soaked in sugary sauce, followed by a delicious piece of pie with ice cream on top, is more your vibe?
Well, whatever you crave, the Midwest is known for its comfort food culture. And although there’s nothing wrong with enjoying acidic or sugary meals from time to time, they can wreak havoc on your long-term oral health if you’re not careful.
How Comfort Food Affects Your Oral Health
Eating sugary, starchy, acidic foods can harm your teeth and gums; here’s how:
- Sugary foods such as fruit pies, pudding, cookies, and even sweetened coffee drinks feed the harmful bacteria in your mouth. As a result, the bacteria produce acids that can lead to tooth decay.
- Acidic foods such as tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, salad dressings, and certain condiments can weaken tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and cavities.
- Sticky, starchy foods such as breads, pasta, and potatoes can stick to your teeth, leading to increased plaque buildup. Eventually, this can cause cavities and other issues.
What You Can Do
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums AND enjoy your favorite Midwest comfort foods:
- Don’t brush your teeth right away after eating acidic foods, as acid softens your tooth enamel; even though it seems strange, waiting for 30 minutes or more can decrease the chances of tooth damage.
- Eat dairy products at the same time as acidic foods; cheese and other calcium-rich foods can stabilize your mouth’s pH level.
- Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away food particles. And when you consume sugary drinks, use a straw to avoid contact with your teeth.
- Do your best to limit the sugary and acidic snacks you eat during the day; this can help you avoid enamel erosion.
Need a Dentist in Indianapolis, IN?
If you and your loved ones need quality dental care, look no further than the experienced team at Southeast Family Dental! We’ll assess your oral health and work to help you achieve healthy teeth and gums.
To get started, please feel free to reach out to us at (317) 359-8000.