Starch is a carbohydrate commonly found in many foods and is a major part of our diet. It is the most important source of dietary energy for the human body. Starch is present in various forms, such as rice, potatoes, wheat, corn, and other grains.

When starch mixes with saliva in the mouth, it breaks down into simpler sugars that can feed oral bacteria that cause plaque and tooth decay. This article aims to provide insight into how starch affects your teeth and the measures you can take to prevent adverse effects.

What is Starch?

Starch is a complex carbohydrate that is found in various plant foods, such as grains, potatoes, and legumes. It is made up of long chains of glucose molecules that are joined together through chemical bonds.

Starch is a primary source of energy for plants, and it constitutes a significant part of our diet as well.

How Starch Affects Your Teeth?

Starchy foods such as bread, crackers, chips, and cookies can be harmful to your teeth. When starch comes into contact with saliva in the mouth, it is rapidly broken down into simple sugars by the enzyme amylase.

The sugar fuels the bacteria in plaque and produces acids, which can erode your enamel and cause cavities. The longer starch remains in the mouth, the greater the risk of tooth decay.

Mixed with sugar and bacteria in the mouth, starch accelerates the production of acid that leads to dental caries. Over time, the acid wears away tooth enamel and may cause cavities that can lead to tooth loss.

Eating starchy foods can also cause a sticky film to form on the teeth, which can make it easier for bacteria to bind to the surface. This results in plaque accumulation, more acid formation causing further enamel eroding which could lead to enamel hypoplasia.

How to Protect Your Teeth from Starchy Foods?

While it is difficult to eliminate starch from our diet completely, there are several ways to minimize its hazardous effects.

Eat Starchy Foods in Combination with Other Foods

Eating starchy foods along with other foods like proteins, healthy fats, and fibers slows down the conversion of starch into simple sugars, reducing the chances of bacterial colonization on teeth and acid production in the oral plaque.

A healthy diet with an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, high fiber, and low sugar, can help in neutralizing the acid production in the mouth and prevent or reduce bacteria and plaque buildup on teeth.

Opt for Whole Grain Foods

Whole grain foods such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats, and barley have a lower glycemic index than processed grains like white bread or pasta. This means they take longer to break down into sugar in the body, reducing the production of acids.

Additionally, the fiber in whole grain foods increases saliva production and prevents the sticking of food particles to the surface of teeth, preventing bacterial growth and dental plaque formation.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water helps wash away food particles left behind from starchy foods and neutralize harmful acids that build up on the teeth.

It also helps to keep the mouth hydrated and promote saliva production to prevent dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities. In case where you can’t brush your teeth after eating starchy meals, having a mouthwash or chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce the amount of sugar and bacteria on teeth.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing twice a day can help eliminate harmful bacteria and food particles from the mouth, preventing the development of cavities.

Regular dental check-ups by dentists provide expert recommendations on the optimal oral cleaning methods and frequency.

Closing Thoughts

Starchy foods can be detrimental to dental health, but consuming them in moderation and with a healthy diet, good oral hygiene and fluids, such as water, can minimize the risk of cavities and other dental problems.

Understanding the role of starch in teeth decay enables us to choose the right foods, water intake and lifestyle habits to protect our teeth and improve our overall health.