By now, it should come as no surprise that the food you eat will have an impact on your body. Your diet can either boost the strength of your immune system, protecting you from infections, or cause an illness that will leave you hospitalized and taking medication for the rest of your life.
Your daily meals can also impact your physical appearance in a lot of ways. It can dry out your hair and nails, make your skin sallow and wrinkled, and make your teeth jagged and discoloured.
The human teeth, unlike bones or skin, cannot repair themselves. However, because of people’s diet, it can be damaged. Here are the different ways food can impact your teeth.
When Bad Nutrition Leads to Crooked Teeth
Your teeth also need vitamins and minerals to be healthy. Calcium, for example, is not just good for your bones. It benefits the teeth. It, which you can primarily get from dairy, plays an important role in preventing cavities and erosion. It strengthens the enamel, outer shell of your teeth, making it difficult for bacteria to destroy.
On the other hand, vitamin D is involved in the mineralization of your bones and your teeth. Previous studies have also found that the risk of oral health disorders, including cavities, gingival inflammation, and gum disease, is higher among people deficient in vitamin D. You can get the essential nutrients from sun exposure, fatty fishes, eggs, and supplements.
With that said, when you do not get enough vitamins and minerals, it will severely impact your teeth. It is especially crucial for children because deficiencies can have a negative effect on dental development, which can be a precursor for having uneven or crooked teeth.
Having crooked teeth is not bad. Many people actually find it charming and see it as a feature that can help you stand out from the crowd. It is usually not a cause for concern, either, because it would not negatively influence your health. However, if you want to, you can fix it by wearing braces or, for something more discreet, Invisalign. These devices will straighten your teeth and give you a perfect smile.
Your Choice of Beverage Can Stain Your Teeth
Singaporeans love their tea. Whether it’s sweet bubble tea or the more traditional taste of Earl Grey, the people of Singapore cannot get enough of it. In the past several years, new local and international tea brands have opened shops in the city-state to cater to the growing demand for this aromatic beverage.
While tea is not bad for your health, it can ruin your smile. Tea, along with coffee and cola, can stain your teeth, making your pearly whites look more yellow or brown. In fact, according to Colgate, tea is more likely to stain your teeth compared to coffee because it has a higher amount of tannin content.
You do not have to give up your bubble tea for the perfect smile, but you should brush your teeth immediately after sipping your drink. If that is not possible, you should also drink water to wash away the tannin still left in your mouth. Teeth that are already stained can be whitened again. Talk to your dentist about your options.
Sweets Lead to Tooth Loss
Sweets are well-known for being bad for your teeth. Foods rich in processed sugar, such as ice cream and cakes, emboldens the bacteria in your mouth to attack the enamel of your teeth and break it down. As a result, your teeth become more vulnerable to cavities and decay.
If not addressed immediately, dental caries can lead to tooth pain and, eventually, loss. When gone, a tooth can only be replaced artificially. You can either get dentures which can either be full or partial, depending on your need. It can also be removable or fixed. A dental implant, which attaches the replacement tooth to the bone, is a more permanent fix.
That is not to say that you should completely swear off sweets. You have to reduce your consumption of sugary treats and beverages. More importantly, strictly follow oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentists every year.
They say that the smile is the most attractive feature of a person, and their teeth play a major role. If your teeth are discoloured, damaged, or incomplete, it can destroy your confidence. It is important to take good care of your teeth so that you can smile confidently.
