Be smart about foods to prevent tooth decay

1. Carbohydrates in food

After fermentation, carbohydrates in food will provide heat and nutrients to the bacteria in the mouth, among which monosaccharides (such as brown sugar, white sugar, rock sugar, honey, fructose, glucose, lactose, etc.) are the most likely to cause tooth decay.Because the bacteria in the mouth will break down the sugar into glucose and fructose, and then polymerize the glucose together to become the matrix of plaque, so that the bacteria stick firmly to the surface of the teeth, and the fructose and a part of the glucose are fermented by the bacteria to produce organic acids to erode the teeth. Other carbohydrates, such as starches, are also broken down into sugars by amylase enzymes in saliva, which can also be fermented by bacteria to produce organic acids, but it takes a long time.

2. The acidity of the food itself

The acidity of certain foods can directly dissolve enamel and provide the acidic environment needed for bacterial growth, such as citrus fruits and carbonated drinks. In addition, long-term consumption of chewable vitamin C tablets will also cause damage to the enamel!

3. The content of fluorine

As we all know, fluoride is the most effective nutrient in preventing tooth decay! When the acidity in the mouth reaches below pH 5.5, the enamel of the tooth gradually dissolves, leading to the loss of minerals. However, if the acidity is diluted by saliva and the pH level rises, the dissolved tooth surface will begin to take up calcium and phosphorus from saliva and return it to the enamel, which is called recalcification. The presence of fluoride can promote the occurrence of recalcification, slow down the progress of tooth decay, and even restore the original healthy appearance of tooth decay that has not yet broken through in the early stage. In addition, low concentrations of fluorine inhibit the ability of bacteria to produce acids; Medium concentrations of fluorine can inhibit the growth and metabolism of bacteria; High concentrations of fluorine have a bactericidal effect. Fluoride is very small in food, and at present, 1ppM fluoride is added to tap water artificially, although the fluoride content is low and has no sterilization effect, but it can reduce the ability of bacteria to produce acid and reduce the number of tooth decay cases by 65%! However, if the concentration is too high, it will react, causing brown spots on the teeth to appear and permanently cannot be removed, which is very unsightly!