Worst Foods For Oral Health

Some of the foods you eat on a regular basis can affect your dental health. Make sure that you avoid the following foods or consume them in moderation.

• Candies

Eating too many sugary treats is not good for your teeth. Cavities and staining are two side effects of eating too much candy. The texture of gummy and hard candies will cling to your teeth which can lead to cavities. Another concern with hard candies is the amount of damage they can do to your teeth when biting down on them repeatedly. Hard candies can also break or chip your teeth.

• Sticky Foods

When we eat sticky foods, they cling to the teeth and are difficult to remove completely. Natural sugars in fruits break down into simple sugars that can feed oral bacteria, increasing the risk of decay. Some popular examples of these foods include dried fruits, gummy vitamins, caramels, and toffees.

The best thing you can do is avoid these sticky foods and brush and floss your teeth after meals and snacks. If you do consume them, make sure you also drink water to help wash them away. Another option is to rinse your mouth out with water frequently after eating these foods.

• Starchy Foods

Although many people love their potato chips and pretzels, this snack can actually be very damaging to your teeth. The reason? The starch in these foods sticks to your teeth and gums long after you’re done eating them. This can result in tooth decay if you aren’t careful! If you do eat these types of snacks, be sure to drink plenty of water and rinse afterward. 

• Soda

While an occasional soda is unlikely to do serious harm to your teeth, frequent consumption can lead to significant enamel erosion. The acid and sugar found in most sodas can cause cavities, yellowing, and other damage over time. Instead of drinking soda, try drinking water or unsweetened tea to satisfy your thirst. Brushing your teeth after consuming these drinks can help minimize the effects of their acidity on your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to help scrub away some of the sugar and plaque left behind by soda.

• Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are among the most popular beverages, and they’re also some of the worst for your oral health. They’re highly acidic and contain a lot of sugar. Many also contain citric acid, which can further exacerbate your enamel erosion. Unfortunately, sipping on sports drinks throughout the day may be especially problematic for people who wear dentures or have sensitive teeth. This is because the drink can dry out your mouth, causing irritation or discomfort that may prevent you from wanting to drink the beverage again. If you want a refreshing beverage after a workout, try water instead! 

• Citrus Fruits and Acidic Foods

Acidic foods like citrus fruit can damage tooth enamel and weaken teeth. This is because the acid in these foods actually dissolves the outer layer of our teeth, called enamel, which protects the inner layer of the tooth, called dentin. Once that protective enamel layer is gone, our teeth are more vulnerable to decay and cavities. While acidic foods aren’t good for the health of your teeth in general if you must indulge, try to drink plenty of water to wash away the sugars and acids left behind by citrusy foods and drinks.

Visit Brighter Day Dental, 1950 Market Street, Suite D, Concord, CA 94520, to learn more about our dental treatments. Contact us at (925) 356-2828 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.