The foods you eat impact your overall health, including your teeth. Eating the wrong foods can affect your ability to eat, especially if you regularly consume damaging foods. Certain foods cause plaque, which is the lingering bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.
Cavities are most common among children and young adults, however, nobody’s safe from them. Therefore, you must practice proper oral hygiene in addition to avoiding unhealthy foods. Here are five of the worst foods for teeth.
1. Bread
Although bread is one of the most popular foods on the market, it is likely to cause tooth decay. As you chew, your saliva converts bread’s starch into sugar, which sticks on and between teeth and causes cavities. When eating bread, opt for the less-refined options like wheat.
2. Liquor
Liquor is bad for your teeth mainly because it causes dry mouth. Saliva keeps your mouth lubricated and neutralizes acid levels in your mouth. With less saliva, your teeth are more susceptible to erosion. Less saliva also makes it easier for particles to stick to your teeth. After you drink alcohol, drink water to aid saliva production and remineralize your teeth.
3. Ice
Many believe chewing ice is okay because it’s made of water. That would be true if it weren’t solid. Over time, chewing ice wears down your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to damage. If you’re tempted to chew ice, drink chilled beverages with little to no ice.
4. Candy
Although it’s one of the best treats, candy wreaks havoc on your teeth. It’s especially dangerous eating sour candy. In addition to acid from the high sugar content, the sour flavoring contains additional acids. The chewy texture also makes it easier for sugar to stick to your teeth, especially if you’re unable to immediately brush or rinse your mouth.
5. Citrus Fruits
Unless you experience allergic reactions, you likely consume a good amount of citrus fruits. Whether you eat them or drink them as juice, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits have a high vitamin C content. On the other hand, they’re highly acidic and have lots of natural sugar, making them harmful to your teeth in large quantities.
Even if you add citrus fruits to water, you’ll still be adding acid to your mouth, which causes erosion. Citrus also burns if you have a cut or sore in your mouth. In addition to consuming citrus fruits in moderation, you should also drink or rinse with water or brush immediately after to minimize damage.
To be healthy, you need to avoid the worst foods for teeth as often as possible. Not only should you practice proper oral healthcare, but it’s also important to eliminate these foods or enjoy them in moderation.
If you’re looking for a quality, comfortable dental office, contact Mountain View Dental. Their Pleasant View office specializes in numerous procedures, so don’t hesitate to contact them and make an appointment.
