15 August 2023 , 14:00
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Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to preventing tooth damage, and dentists have claimed this involves avoiding certain foods first thing in the morning.
Shocking statistics have shown that almost three-quarters of Brits are without their full set of natural teeth, and six percent have none left at all. What’s more, only 10 percent of UK adults are considered to have ‘excellent’ oral health, reports Dentaly.org.
Principal dentist Dr Abel Azizi, from Harley Private Dentist Clinic, has warned that consuming foods early in the day could have disastrous effects on your teeth. He said: “In the morning your mouth’s natural defences are lower due to decreased saliva production during sleep.”
From citrus fruit to coffee, the expert has highlighted the popular breakfast options to avoid first thing in the morning - especially before brushing your teeth.
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Citrus fruits
Many of us enjoy waking up to a refreshing orange slice or a zesty lemon, but Dr Azizi says citrus fruits can cause tooth damage due to their high acidity. Culprits include oranges, grapefruits, and lemons as they contain citric acid that can weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to erosion and decay.
Citrus fruits can damage teeth due to their high acidity (Getty Images)He said: “Morning saliva production is lower, reducing the mouth’s natural defence against acids, and consuming acidic fruits at this time can intensify the damage. It’s advisable to choose less acidic breakfast options to safeguard tooth enamel and overall oral health."
Sugary cereal and pastries
Consuming sugary cereals and pastries in the morning can cause damage due to their high sugar content and potential to promote tooth decay. Dr Azizi explained: “Sugary cereals and pastries create an environment conducive to harmful bacteria growth in the mouth, as they provide a steady source of sugars that bacteria feed on, leading to acid production and enamel erosion.
“Consuming these foods at the start of the day, when saliva flow is reduced during sleep, exacerbates the risk of damage.” Opting for lower-sugar breakfast alternatives can help safeguard tooth enamel and support better oral health in the long run.
Coffee
Coffee is a popular brew as it provides a morning jolt of caffeine to kickstart you for the day ahead. But the expert has warned that the drink can cause tooth damage due to its dual impact of acidity and potential staining.
Coffee is acidic in nature and can gradually erode tooth enamel over time, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach when saliva production is lower. “Additionally, coffee’s dark pigments can lead to tooth discoloration, affecting the aesthetic appearance of teeth,” says the doctor.
To protect oral health, it’s advisable to minimise coffee consumption in the morning and consider rinsing your mouth with water after drinking coffee to help mitigate its effects.
Steering clear of pastries in the morning is key to preventing tooth damage (Getty Images/Image Source)Maintaining good oral health
If you struggle to function without your morning coffee, or you have a sweet tooth early in the day, Dr Azizi has shared his top tips on how to minimise the negative impact on your teeth. These include:
Brush after eating - Brush your teeth about 30 minutes after eating sugary foods. This allows time for your saliva to naturally neutralise some of the acids produced by the sugar. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush for effective cleaning.
Floss regularly - Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach effectively, reducing the risk of decay between teeth.
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Use mouthwash - Consider using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash after brushing. This can help kill bacteria, strengthen enamel, and maintain a healthier oral environment.
Chew sugar-free gum - Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which aids in neutralising acids and washing away food particles. Look for gum with xylitol, a sugar substitute that can help inhibit bacterial growth.
Stay hydrated - Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse your mouth and dilute sugars and acids, reducing their impact on your teeth.
Rinse with water - After consuming sugary foods, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away residual sugars and acids.