As we observe Oral Health Month it serves as a timely reminder that dental care is about more than just brushing and flossing. While these two habits are essential, they aren't enough to fully protect your teeth and gums.
Experts say that paying attention to what we eat and how we clean our teeth is just as important as brushing twice daily.
Independent Media Lifestyle reached out to oral health experts to explore how certain foods contribute to tooth decay, bad breath, and tooth discolouration, and to help us understand how these problems develop and why.
The importance of interdental cleaning
Brushing and flossing have long been the gold standard for oral hygiene, but many of us overlook another crucial step: interdental cleaning.
According to Natasha Swart, Education Manager for Curaden and a qualified oral hygienist on behalf of Curapox, most people don’t realise that brushing alone only removes about two-thirds of the plaque on our teeth.
The spaces between our teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach, are often where periodontal disease (gum disease) first takes hold.
Given that severe periodontal disease affects an estimated 19% of the global adult population, representing over 1 billion cases worldwide, it’s clear that more attention needs to be paid to comprehensive oral care.
Swart highlighted the importance of interdental cleaning, explaining that this practice can drastically reduce the incidence of cavities between teeth and lower the risk of developing gum disease.
The statistics are staggering. Globally, around 2 billion people suffer from tooth decay in their permanent teeth, while approximately 514 million children suffer from decay in their primary teeth.
Gum disease and poor oral hygiene have also been linked to more serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
This underscores the need for not just brushing and flossing, but also for cleaning between teeth to maintain overall health.
Foods that harm your teeth
While oral hygiene practices are crucial, what we eat can make or break our dental health. Swart explained that many commonly consumed foods and drinks contribute to dental issues, even if they seem harmless or are considered healthy.
Tooth decay, bad breath, and tooth discolouration are often the result of what we’re putting into our mouths.
Sugary foods and drinks
"Sugar is one of the main culprits when it comes to tooth decay," Swart said. "The longer it stays on your teeth, the more damage it can do."
She added: “One of the most notorious threats to oral health is candy. Hard candy can crack your teeth, while the chewy varieties tend to stick between teeth, leading to plaque buildup and decay. Both types can inflict terrible pain and impact your dental health if not properly managed.”
Strangely, it is also recommended that you avoid consuming too much-dried fruit, as it is high in sugar and can easily get stuck between teeth, which as we know can lead to bacterial build-up and tooth decay.
Here’s a list of sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay, bad breath and teeth discolouration:
Fruit Juices (especially citrus-based): Packed with sugars and acids that erode enamel and cause discolouration.
Cakes and pastries: Full of sugar that lingers on teeth, increasing the risk of decay and foul breath.
Breakfast cereals: High in refined sugars that stick to teeth and contribute to cavities.
Ice cream: The combination of sugar and cold can damage enamel and lead to decay.
Energy drinks: High in sugar and acidic, promoting enamel erosion and discolouration.
Acidic foods and drinks: Next, we turn to acids. While citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are rich in beneficial vitamin C and antioxidants, they are also highly acidic.
These acids can erode enamel over time, leaving teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Drinks such as soda, sports drinks, wine and even tea and coffee can also stain teeth and increase the risk of tooth erosion due to their acidity, Swart told Lifestyle.
"Even though some of these foods are healthy, the acid content can be harmful if consumed in excess or if you don’t rinse your mouth afterwards," Swart explained.
Bad breath: Let’s be honest—just about everyone has had bad breath at some point. Whether it’s after a night out with friends, indulging in garlic-heavy dishes, or simply waking up in the morning, bad breath (or halitosis, as it’s medically known) is something most of us have experienced, explained Swart.
“However, dental professionals estimate that 90% of bad breath cases actually originate in the mouth or throat.”
Interestingly, research has shown that older adults are more likely to experience bad breath, and men are statistically more prone to it than women.
But no matter your age or gender, understanding the root cause is the first step toward fresher breath.
The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented with proper care and a well-rounded oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing and interdental cleaning.