This is explained in an interview with Alicia Miguel, a dentist and member of the Spanish Society of Prosthodontics, Stomatology, and Aesthetics (SEPES), who insists that we must not forget that the beneficial action of certain foods, if not accompanied by a diet low in refined sugars, controlled consumption of acidic foods and beverages, as well as proper dental hygiene, will not be effective.
Which foods can help reduce the risk of cavities and why? we ask this expert. According to her, the only thing that has been proven to effectively reduce the risk of cavities is proper tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
DO NOT FORGET DENTAL FLOSS
To clean the areas between the teeth, as she continues, and where the toothbrush cannot reach, the use of dental floss is recommended, and when the spaces between the teeth are large, small brushes called ‘interdental brushes’ are advised.
Regarding what foods can do to reduce the risk of cavities, this member of SEPES admits that the knowledge is limited, mainly because most studies have been done in animals, and there is no certainty that the same applies to humans.
«In these animal studies, it has been observed that the foods that would be good for reducing the risk of cavities (dairy, fruits, vegetables, etc.) are also the foods that form the basis of a healthy diet, so these are the ones we should consume for the good of our overall health,» adds Alicia Miguel.
FOODS WITH ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES?
Likewise, this spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Prosthodontics, Stomatology, and Aesthetics highlights that there are studies on foods with antibacterial properties, but these are animal studies and it is questioned whether they are equally effective in humans.
«In this group, tea, cocoa, some vegetables and fruits, such as apples, have been studied; but there is no scientific agreement to recommend them as oral antibacterials,» warns this dentist.
WHAT IF I AM PRONE TO CAVITIES?
Finally, we ask her to advise on the best dietary pattern for people who are prone to cavities, emphasizing the importance of avoiding refined sugars, processed foods, which contain ‘hidden’ sugar, and acids in the diet.
Alicia Miguel also recommends that these individuals should avoid snacking between meals, eat only during meals, and after meals, take extra care of their dental hygiene, using special toothpaste, with a higher fluoride content and, if possible, containing other components (calcium, phosphate, etc). «Furthermore, they should attend regular dental check-ups to monitor their dental health and receive personalized advice,» asserts this dentist and spokesperson for SEPES.