The foods you eat can harm your teeth. Safe cooking and preparation techniques can help protect your teeth. Consider these dental health warnings in your kitchen.
Spices
You probably try to make your meals more delicious by adding seasonings and marinades, but the ingredients you add can damage your teeth. Some seasonings, like turmeric (used in Curry), chili powder, balsamic vinegar, and red wine can all contribute to tooth staining. Citrus juice or marinade can add a little extra kick to your meal, but too much acid can cause your enamel to erode. Adding too much sugar to sweeten the dish can cause tooth decay. In addition, vinegar and garlic flavors can cause bad breath.
Kitchen
You place raw meat on the table and countertops to prepare it. This infects the surface with all kinds of bacteria. If you use a sponge or rag to clean surfaces, you can spread the bacteria to each tabletop and appliance. The utensils you use can also become infected. If you use a knife to cut through your raw meat, make sure you don’t use the same knife for anything else. Consuming undercooked meat can cause disease and illness, and getting the bacteria in your mouth gives it a chance to affect your oral health as well.
Stoves
Some people love the taste of a pizza that was baked in a wood burning stove. The smoke from wood burning stoves can increase your risk of mouth and throat cancers. When cooking in a smokey environment, make sure the area is well-ventilated by opening a door or window or using a stove-top fan.
Before preparing your meal, make sure the ingredients or preparation method you use won’t damage your oral health. If your cooking habits have destroyed your smile, contact Dr. Villani to restore your teeth. Call Brighton Family Dental in Brighton, MA at (617) 562-5210.
