What is caries and how is it created?

In our mouth there are germs that create dental plaque which is located on the surface of the teeth. When we do not take care of our oral hygiene and do not brush our teeth, bacteria overgrow. Bacteria in the mouth break down carbohydrates and sugars from the foods we eat, which results in the production of acids that lower the pH of the mouth and erode the enamel of the teeth.

If the dental plaque is not removed the plaque bacteria continue to produce more acids which gradually leads to the destruction of the tooth and the creation of a cavity in the tooth. The decay of the caries grows and creates sensitivity and pain in the tooth. Bacteria then enter the inside of the tooth and can cause an infection or abscess.

What foods cause caries?

Carbonated soft drinks:

In addition to the sugar they contain which promotes the development of caries, a great threat seems to be the acids (carbonate) that reduce the pH of the mouth (close to 2.5) and cause serious damage to the teeth. The same goes for light soft drinks, carbonated water and soda.

Sports drinks:

There may be a perception that they are preferable to soft drinks, but the same is true as they contain a lot of acids and sugar, so they are just as harmful.

Sweetened condensed milk, evaporated, chocolate:

These types of milk have a thicker texture than fresh, making them particularly harmful to the health of our teeth.

Dried fruit:

They can be a filling and healthy snack, but they are not as healthy for our teeth, because due to their composition they stick more easily to the surface of the teeth. In addition, they contain a large amount of vegetable sugars which leads to caries.

Snacks (crackers, chips):

Most of us enjoy watching our favourite movie and have a bowl of them next to us. But if we knew how harmful it is to our teeth we would limit this habit!

Commercial juices:

The juices we find in the supermarket contain large amounts of sugar.

Carbohydrates:

Processed white flour bread and pasta are almost as harmful to our teeth as sugary foods because their starch is broken down into simple sugars which are food for harmful bacteria.

Alcohol:

Alcohol consumption not only harms our health, but also contributes to caries and gingivitis. Alcohol causes dehydration and slows down the production of saliva, which is essential for boosting good oral bacteria.