If You Eat a Lot of Fast-Food, It Could Impact Your Teeth
Posted on 11/16/2020 by Ranches Family Dental
We all know that eating fast food is harmful to our overall health, as it can cause a number of serious problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. But you may not be aware that fast food can be detrimental to your oral health as well, for a variety of reasons.
Salt Can Harm Your Oral Health
Even though sugar is the primary cause of cavities and tooth decay, salty foods can damage your teeth as well. Salt has the tendency to dry out your mouth, but moisture is necessary for keeping your mouth clean and washing away bacteria. Having a dry mouth can contribute to bad breath, bleeding gums, and gum disease. Eating too much sodium can even lead to gum recession.
Most of the salty foods at fast food restaurants are processed carbohydrates, which our bodies treat as simple sugars. Bacteria in our mouths feed on these sugars and produce acid in the process, which can erode your tooth enamel over time.
Soda and Other Sugar-Filled Items
Whether you pair your meal with a soda, milkshake, or sweetened coffee drink, the chances are, any beverage you choose from a fast-food restaurant will contain high amounts of added sugar. Even a size small Coca-Cola from McDonald's contains 39 grams of sugar, which is greater than the American Heart Association's recommended daily sugar intake for both men and women.
It is not just fast-food beverages that contain staggering levels of sugar. Dipping sauces, salad dressings, and even burgers and sandwiches are often filled with sugar as well. If you regularly consume fast food, you could be putting your teeth at risk for developing cavities and decay.
Diabetes Can Contribute to Gum Disease
Consuming a lot of fast food increases your chances of developing diabetes. People with diabetes are significantly more likely to suffer from gum disease due to their elevated blood sugar level. In fact, about 22 percent of diabetics also have some form of periodontal disease.
It is best to limit the amount of fast food in your diet to benefit both your oral and overall health. For tips on replacing fast food with healthier options or to learn more about how fast food can harm your teeth, contact our office.
We all know that eating fast food is harmful to our overall health, as it can cause a number of serious problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. But you may not be aware that fast food can be detrimental to your oral health as well, for a variety of reasons.