Table of contents:
- Various causes of cavities
- How do acidic foods cause cavities?
- Acidic foods can also make teeth sensitive
Some of you must really like sour foods. Apart from the taste of sour foods that are considered delicious, these sour foods and drinks also taste refreshing in your mouth and throat. However, did you know that eating acidic foods in excess can trigger sensitive teeth (tooth pain) or even cavities? Why can acidic foods cause cavities? This is the explanation.
Various causes of cavities
Cavities (caries) is a process of imbalance between the release of minerals from the teeth and the return of minerals into the teeth. Several factors that influence this process include:
- Plaque accumulation
- Frequency of consumption of carbohydrates
- Frequency of exposure to acids
- The quality and quantity of saliva is not good and adequate
- Less fluorine intake
How do acidic foods cause cavities?
The high frequency of exposure to acids in the oral cavity causes the minerals in the teeth to disappear more quickly, and leads to the formation of cavities. Some examples of exposure to acids include consuming soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juice, pempek (and its broth) and lemon juice.
The short explanation is, the pH of the oral cavity will drop dramatically to its lowest level and will last a long time. The very acidic condition of the mouth allows the release of minerals from the teeth and clinically begins to form holes.
In a study conducted in 2009, it was concluded that patients who consumed a total volume of 1.5 L of soft drinks and fruit juices per day for 6 years resulted in cavities in almost all parts of the neck of their teeth. Another study in 2006 stated that carbonated drinks and fruit juices cause teeth to lose up to 50 percent of their minerals in the first minute.
Therefore, in the case of cavities prevention that can be done is to reduce the frequency of consumption of acids, especially pempek broth and lemon juice. After consuming the tamarind, wait for about 40 minutes, then brush your teeth with fluorescent toothpaste. Increasing the consumption of mineral water up to 2L per day can also keep the pH of the oral cavity normal.
If you already have cavities, you should consult and check directly with the dentist, so that you will get the right non-invasive and invasive treatment.
Acidic foods can also make teeth sensitive
One of the causes of sensitive teeth that is most often experienced by many people is due to consuming acidic foods. But unfortunately, not many people know about this.
Highly acidic foods and drinks such as sodas, citrus fruits, wine, vinegar and yogurt can cause tooth enamel erosion. Sensitive teeth occur due to the opening of the dentin layer on the tooth. Meanwhile, sour foods are very prone to trigger sensitive teeth, apart from hot and cold foods.
To prevent this, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods. If you want to brush your teeth, wait at least 30-60 minutes after eating. If you brush your teeth after eating acidic foods, it can further erode the dentin enamel, which in turn makes teeth become abrasion.
