It’s that time of the year again! Beautifully lit streets, beach barbeques, Christmas tree decorations, carols by candlelight, and lots of treats. These festive days are filled with food, drinks, and habits that keep us moving. But among the festivities, we often don’t realise the damage that some of these habits and choices can do to our teeth. That’s why regular care and prevention matter most. What we need is a family-oriented approach to maintaining oral health. When families come together and pay attention to their teeth, it can make dental care easier, more consistent, and far more effective. For families in the ACT, a trusted dentist in Canberra can give them dental health advice tailored to local lifestyles, diets, and routines. This blog will discuss the food and habits that expert dentists recommend avoiding for people of all age groups.
How Sugar and Acid Quietly Attack Your Smile
Whether it’s beach barbeques or Pavlovas at the family dinners, sugar and acids are a big part of the food during the festivities. But all that sugar and acids do more damage to your teeth than anything else. Wondering why? Let’s find out.
The Sugar Problem: What Most Families Don’t Realise
Sugar tastes sweet, yet its effect on the teeth is anything but. Sugar feeds the bacteria in our mouth and causes damage. When we consume sugary foods and drinks, these bacteria produce acid that attacks tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities. So, if you consume a lot of sugar regularly, your tooth enamel is under repeated acid attacks, making the teeth vulnerable to decay.
Sugary foods to limit:
- Candy and Sweets: As delicious as they are, sugary sweets like candies, cookies, cake, etc., are also equally harmful to the teeth. They aid acid production in the mouth, leading to enamel erosion. Avoid eating them daily and try to reduce the quantity consumed.
- Dried fruit & muesli bars: These are extra sticky, high in concentrated sugar, and cling to teeth longer than chocolate, increasing tooth exposure to acids and causing decay.
- Flavoured milks and yoghurts: You may think they’re healthy, but many yoghurts and flavoured milks contain added sugars. Try to limit their intake, and if you do drink it, aim for options with 5g or less sugar per 100g.
- Juices and smoothies: Many people argue that juices have natural sugar. However, natural sugar is still sugar. That’s why it’s better to drink them in moderation. Best to enjoy them with meals, instead of sipping throughout the day.
See also: Healthy Dogs Start with Premium Natural Food
Acid Attack: The Other Threat to Strong Enamel
Just like sugar, acidic foods also affect the health of the teeth. They produce acids that attack the tooth’s enamel, even when they’re not paired with sugar. This constant acid attack can soften the tooth enamel. And, once enamel erodes, it doesn’t grow back. Many patients visiting a dentist Canberra clinic are surprised to learn how often acid, not sugar, is the primary culprit of decay.
Acid-heavy foods and drinks to limit:
- Soft drinks/fizzy drinks: They contain a lot of sugar, which harms the teeth. Even sugar-free versions contain citric and phosphoric acid, which are harmful to the enamel.
- Sports and energy drinks: A classic mix of both the things that damage the teeth the most, sugar and acids. These drinks are like the enamel’s worst nightmare, so try to reduce their daily intake.
- Citrus fruits & wine: Citrus fruits and wine are also acidic in nature. They produce acids that can damage the enamel. While they are healthy in moderation, their acidic nature means you should consume them in limited quantities.
- Tomatoes and Vinegar: Tomatoes are another acidic food that can be harmful to tooth enamel. Tomato-based products are a common part of our diet, whether in the form of sauces or salads. Vinegar is often used in salad dressings and pickled foods, but it is highly acidic and harmful to the teeth when consumed in high quantities. Reduce or limit their consumption and incorporate them in a balanced diet.
So, limiting your sugar and acid intake is basically the key to maintaining good oral hygiene and dental health. You can enjoy these foods/drinks with meals and then rinse your mouth with water afterwards. And if you’re brushing your teeth after a meal, wait for 30 minutes after eating to avoid brushing softened enamel.
Everyday Habits That Harm Your Teeth
Aggressive Brushing
It’s a common misconception among most adults that scrubbing hard with a firm-bristle brush gives better cleaning. But what they don’t realise is that aggressive brushing can also hurt the gums, leading to sensitivity and even gum recession. Instead, use a soft-bristle brush and brush with gentle, circular motions. And if you do notice any sensitivity in your gums, don’t take it lightly. Visit a family dental clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Snacking on Unhealthy Foods Frequently
If you’re in the habit of snacking frequently, whether at work or school, or anytime during the day, your teeth are at risk of decay. Snacking frequently on sugary, processed, or highly acidic foods exposes the teeth to acid constantly. Try to limit your snacking to a few days a week, or try structured eating. And instead of sugary or processed food, go for healthier, ‘tooth-friendly’ options like cheese, plain yoghurt, raw vegetables, etc. These foods can help neutralise acid and support the enamel.
Grinding, Stress, and Jaw Pain: The Bruxism Connection
If you’re in the habit of grinding your teeth (also called bruxism), you’re not alone. While bruxism is increasingly common in our busy lifestyles and stressful schedules, it’s not a problem you should ignore. If you notice any sensitivity, jaw pain, stiffness, dull headaches, or have teeth grinding noises heard by others, consider it time to get a dental check-up. Regular check-ups at a family dental clinic help detect grinding early. You can have custom night guards made to prevent further wear, protect enamel, and relieve jaw pain.
Stronger Smiles Begin with Smart Choices
Limiting sugar and acid, avoiding abrasive brushing, managing stress, and reducing snacking on unhealthy foods are simple steps that protect oral health for life. Prevention is always easier and far more effective when families approach it together. Regular dental check-ups at your family dental clinic, like the Dentist at Dickson, can help detect problems early on, and family dentists can provide you with dental advice tailored to your needs.
For personalised advice tailored to your family’s needs, or to book your next check-up and clean, connect with a trusted dentist Canberra team today. The right support now can build a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
