The NobleDentist Blog

This is part 17 in a series titled Oral Health Care – Conception to Preschool.

Specific foods act as buffers that will normalise the saliva pH more quickly. Cheese acts as a buffer and could be included in snacks where it is not possible for a person to brush their teeth after eating. Milk has also been recognised as cariostatic (stop decay) rather than cariogenic (cause decay). Studies report that milk reduces the solubility of enamel. In the presence of acid, the pH was higher when milk was present.

Causes of acid attack on teeth

Sport drinks are frequently promoted as an energy drink. Sport drinks are very acidic due to the sugar content. Use of high sugar content sport drinks can create serious erosion of the enamel layer of teeth. (The enamel layer is the outside surface of the tooth that is visible in the mouth.)

Vomiting. Illnesses or conditions that cause prolonged periods of vomiting expose teeth to the risk of dental decay and erosion. Conditions causing vomiting can include morning sickness, bulimia, food poisoning or stomach upsets.

Stomach contents are acidic and if left in the mouth may dissolve some of the tooth enamel. People who suffer from vomiting need to be aware of the risks to their teeth and take positive steps to maintain the health of their teeth.

• After vomiting do not brush the teeth immediately as the enamel is already softened by the acidic contents.


• Rinse the mouth out after vomiting.


• Apply a smear of fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride will help strengthen the tooth enamel and the toothpaste will help to make the breath fresh.


• Include foods in the diet that have buffering or protective effects for teeth.

Sweet food and drinks. Many foods contain natural or hidden sugars that may not be easily identified as a decay risk to teeth. Honey is a natural type of sugar that is sticky and clings to teeth. Many canned foods are stored in syrup rather than a lighter, natural juice. Fruit juices and soft drinks also contain natural or added sugars. Check food labeling of contents before purchasing products.

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