Are We What We Eat?
By Foivos-Ioannis Kaldis
It is widely accepted that the consequences of poor nutrition are directly linked to childhood obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, and diabetes. However, it is often overlooked that unhealthy components such as fats, sugars, and preservatives found in fast food, energy drinks, and many other processed foods are significant risk factors for the development of dental caries.
The state of our oral health, including our teeth and periodontal tissues, reflects the quality of our diet. Tooth enamel is in constant contact with oral fluids secreted by the salivary glands. Saliva, which contains ions, is continuously exchanging these ions with the dental structures. This balance is defined by the pH level in the mouth (normally 6.8–7.2). When acidic substances or fermentable sugars are consumed, the pH drops to between 5.3 and 5.5—the so-called "critical pH"—where enamel demineralization begins. Within 20–40 minutes, the pH typically returns to normal levels.
This chemical mechanism is activated every time we consume food. Dental tissues are resilient, but tooth decay begins to develop after repeated cycles of demineralization and remineralization. When these cycles occur frequently and intensely, the acids produced gradually cause the loss of tooth material and the breakdown of its organic components.
Understanding the mechanism behind tooth decay clarifies why energy drinks, sodas, and packaged foods high in sugar lead to dental caries, tooth discoloration, bad breath, gingivitis, and, over time, periodontitis.
Despite significant advancements in preventive dentistry, improved cleaning products and materials, the establishment of regular dental visits, and government support for oral care prevention and treatment, poor diet and unhealthy habits have reached epidemic proportions. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 30% of adults (ages 18–65) consume energy drinks. Among adolescents, the figure rises to 68%, and among children (ages 3–10), it's 18%. At the same time, the CDC (USA) reports that teens and adults consume an average of 17 teaspoons of sugar per day from packaged foods—2 to 3 times the amount recommended by the World Health Organization.
These statistics highlight how much teeth and periodontal tissues are exposed to harmful conditions. Sugar and erosive agents are found not only in sweets but also in fast food and processed foods, making our everyday diet hazardous to oral health.
Preventing the effects of poor nutrition requires nutritional education and a change in dietary habits, including reducing sugar and acids and adopting a consistent oral hygiene routine. This includes regular dental visits, using fluoride toothpaste, brushing twice daily, and using fluoridated mouthwash.
So, are we what we eat?
The answer seems to be yes. An unhealthy diet reflects a lower quality of life and neglect of self-care. The consequences of poor nutrition are visible in our body, mouth, and mental well-being. Nutritional education and the adoption of oral hygiene habits are the only means of protecting and maintaining dental and periodontal health.