With the culinary enjoyments of places like Suielicious and The Avenue, Scarborough's food scene is a happening place to be. You can enjoy Jamaican dishes along with Trinidadian-Chinese fusion. Don't forget about our Pakistani-Indian cuisine! With all these fusion flavours to try and enjoy, it's any foodie's dream come true to spend some time in Scarborough's restaurants.
However, there's something you should know about spicy foods and tooth enamel, and we're here to make you aware, not take away your culinary pleasures. Here's what you should know.
The Impact of Spicy Food on Tooth Enamel
Spicy foods are often acidic, which directly breaks down tooth enamel. As your enamel wears down, you may experience increased tooth sensitivity. Spicy foods may also cause acid reflux, bringing stomach acid into your mouth and weakening and eroding tooth enamel.
Some condiments and sauces, such as ketchup and barbecue sauce, contain hidden sugars. Sugars fuel the bacteria in your mouth that produce acids as a byproduct. Those acids impact your tooth enamel.
Sauces like curries, soy sauce, and marinara sauce are all acidic and can cause tooth stains. When your teeth become stained or discoloured, you may need professional teeth whitening to brighten your smile.
How to Protect Your Smile from Acidic Foods
You don't have to eliminate spicy foods from your diet entirely; consider consuming them in moderation. You can also drink plenty of water during and after your meal to keep your mouth hydrated and rinse away sauce residue and food debris.
Wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth after a meal with curries or other spicy sauces. This gives weakened enamel time to adjust before you brush, which can cause more damage.
Contact Your Scarborough Dentist
Keeping up with your bi-annual teeth cleanings and checkups will also protect your smile. Talk with our team at (416) 366-8188 if it's time to schedule your next dental appointment.