Foods For That Can Harm Your Oral Health

The foods people eat affect the health of the mouth. Good nutrition is important for overall health, but it also helps to promote healthy teeth and gums. However, there are certain foods that are more likely to cause decay and other oral health problems than others. Here are some of them.

Sugary Foods

When sugar is consumed in excess, it attracts bacteria that feed on the sugars and produce acids as a byproduct. These acidic byproducts wear down the enamel that protects your teeth and causes decay and cavities.

Hard Candy

Hard candies can be bad for your oral health because they can easily stick to your teeth, leading to cavities. They can also damage your tooth enamel because they are so sticky. Sticky candies can then allow harmful bacteria to stick to your teeth and gums more easily. This can cause tooth decay or gum disease. When eaten frequently and frequently, sticky and, hard candies can also wear down the tooth enamel over time. This leads to tooth sensitivity and may even cause teeth to wear down and chip away over time. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can still be damaged by constant exposure to acidic or sugar-rich substances. This is why it is important to avoid these types of candies whenever possible. If you must eat these candies on occasion, it is best to brush your teeth immediately after your meal. You should also rinse your mouth out with water to remove any excess residue left behind from the candies. However, it is still best to avoid eating them as often as possible.

Coffee and Tea

Drinking too much coffee and tea can increase your risk of dental problems. Since coffee and tea are so acidic, they can wear away tooth enamel. Over time, that can wear down your teeth and cause staining. You can also experience sensitivity if your tooth enamel is wearing down. Additionally, the constant sipping of coffee or tea can lead to dry mouth, which leads to increased oral bacteria, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Wine

Alcoholic beverages of any kind can dry out the mouth. This is why dry mouth is often a symptom of hangovers. Additionally, many wines have very high sugar content. Therefore, wine is just as bad for oral health as many other sweets. Those who consume wine with a meal should drink plenty of water to rinse away the sugars and keep their mouth moist. Water also helps dilute the acidy content of the wine, which can erode tooth enamel. This helps reduce the risk of cavities.

A best practice for those who enjoy drinking a glass of wine or beer is to consume water or milk afterward to help neutralize the acids left behind in the oral cavity.

Sports Drinks

The acidity in soft drinks can be extremely harmful to your teeth. This acidity is strong enough to wear away your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay! Sodas and sports drinks can also be highly acidic, meaning they could erode your enamel quickly. If you really love these products, it is best to drink them through a straw to limit the exposure to your teeth. Drinking these beverages through a straw will keep the liquid from splashing against your teeth and causing damage.

Many sports drinks are also high in sugar, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities. If you do enjoy drinking a sports beverage after a workout or practice, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after you finish to wash away any lingering sugars and acids. This will help keep your teeth healthy!

Citrus Fruits and Juices

The acid in citrus fruits and juices is hard on the teeth. People often don’t realize how much damage citrus can do to your teeth. If you drink a lot of orange juice or eat oranges, then you may be damaging your enamel. This can lead to cavities, decay, and even more serious conditions like gum disease. The best thing to do is limit these foods and drink more water instead! Drinking water will keep your mouth healthy and feeling clean and fresh. Water is the best thing you can drink for your body and oral health. Keeping your body hydrated will help rinse away any food debris that may be left on your teeth after a meal as well.

Crackers

Hard or crunchy snacks like crackers, chips, pretzels and even popcorn can cause tooth fractures, wear down the enamel, and create gaps between the teeth. These little crevices in your teeth can be the perfect place for plaque and food debris to hide. Then, when these tiny particles of food mix with saliva, they begin to form an acid that can erode your enamel and promote tooth decay. If you must snack, choose something softer and more neutral, like cheese, almonds, celery, or carrots. Water is also a great choice to wash away food debris in between meals.

To learn more, visit Dental Health PC at 869 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330. Call us at (541) 757 1829 to book an appointment. We will be happy to help you further.