Ask Your Dentist
Good Nutrition for Oral Health

How does Dental Plaque form?

Just like other body systems, the mouth and digestive organs have a complete process to help you break down food into necessary nutrients. Saliva plays an important role in this process. Saliva contains enzymes that aid in breaking down foods for digestion; it also constantly washes the teeth and gums to help keep them clean and hydrated.

While we are eating, saliva is working hard. Shortly after we finish eating, saliva activity slows down. Food particles that are left behind on the teeth and between the teeth and the gums become fuel for harmful bacteria. After a short time, the bacteria form a soft, sticky coating on teeth called plaque. If this is not removed, the plaque will harden into calculus and eventually destroy tooth structure, or ‘decay’ the tooth.

Different types of foods, like sticky candy, chips or starchy breads and pasta, have a tendency to leave food particles behind and coat the mouth with sugars and starches after we finish eating them. If we don't brush shortly after eating these types of foods, harmful oral bacteria will go to work. Even sticky fruit snacks can get caught in between teeth and become a problem if they are not brushed and flossed away shortly after eating.

Watch Your Snack Habits

Snacks and beverages that are consumed between meals are usually the biggest problem for oral health. We are less likely to brush after a snack, and there are longer times between brushing that give bacteria time to be effective.

Something to think about are ‘all day’ habits, such as sucking on sweet mints or sipping sweet tea or coffee, drinking sweet fruit drinks or sodas, even diet sodas. The sugar in candy and mints creates a constant supply of sugar for oral bacteria, and carbonated beverages actually have an acidic effect that is harmful to tooth enamel.

Saliva is also less effective when it is in a constant battle with sugars, starches and bacteria. One measure of the effectiveness of saliva is pH; ideally the mouth pH would be the same as pure water, 7.0. This supports body health and limits bacteria growth.

Best Foods vs. Worst Foods for Dental Health

Not surprising, healthy foods, like carrot sticks and other raw vegetables are a better option than carbohydrates or candy. Good old water is the best beverage for your oral health.

We all love an occasional dessert or candy bar, the best time to eat these is during a regular meal when saliva is most active, and then brush/floss shortly after.

Time to Brush

The most important time to brush, floss and thoroughly clean your mouth is bedtime. While we sleep, our saliva activity is slowed and other body systems are resting. Food debris left in the mouth allows bacteria to organize and go to work undisturbed for 6-8 hours.

If you have ever forgotten to brush your teeth at night, you can probably remember that ‘fuzzy’ feeling on your teeth in the morning. That sticky bad taste is the beginning stage of harmful dental plaque.

See Your Dentist Regularly

We recommend that you see Dr. Holder and your dental hygienist 2-4 times per year for a thorough dental examination and routine cleaning.