Carbohydrates and Bacteria

Short-chain carbohydrates are fermentable, meaning they are easily broken down by the digestive system. Examples are sugars and starches found in foods like ice cream and bread, respectively. Since they are easy to digest, bacteria readily eat the carbohydrates and break them down before they even make it down the esophagus.

+ Bacteria and Teeth

When the carbohydrates are broken down, bacteria produce acids that weaken the enamel (hard, white-appearing protective covering on the teeth). Weakened enamel makes teeth discolored and vulnerable to cavities. Over time, the enamel will wear away and it can lead to further tooth discoloration, sensitivity to temperature (food + drink), tooth decay, tooth fracture, and even certain oral diseases. 

= Carbohydrates and Teeth

Plaque is a colorless layer that forms on teeth after fermentable carbohydrates, bacteria, and acids mix in the mouth. Bacteria lives in plaque, increasing the amount of acid that forms from fermentable carbohydrates and thus the amount of decay in the mouth. 

How to Take Care of Your Mouth

Besides the obvious, brushing your teeth, you can make sure to eat a diet lower in simple carbohydrates (the ones easy to break down) and higher in complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, etc. 

Additional steps for a healthy mouth include:

• using a mouthwash

• thoroughly flossing every night

• drinking water with every meal (to wash down food particles in mouth)

• brushing the tongue

• scraping off plaque after meals with a paper towel, or similar

• seeing the dentist x2/year

Written By: Siena