Almost two thirds of us try to choose the “healthier” option when we’re eating and drinking – picking cereal bars instead of chocolate, for instance, or opting for fizzy citrus waters rather than sugary sodas. But the truth is that many of our everyday food choices – including the ostensibly better ones – can end up contributing to teeth and gum issues.
“What you eat, when you eat it, and whether you effectively clean away any debris makes a big difference in how much plaque builds up in your mouth,” says Elaine Tilling, clinical education and product manager at TePe, a brand that specialises in products that help keep mouths healthy. “A buildup of plaque can lead to tooth decay, and the bacteria from it can also cause gum disease.”