Worst Foods For Oral Health

Eating right goes a long way in maintaining good dental health. Sticking to a proper dental care routine is not enough. We also need to avoid certain foods that can damage our teeth. Here are some foods that can damage our oral health. 

Sugary foods

A diet high in sugar can increase your risk of tooth decay because bacteria in your mouth use sugar to produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Sodas and sports drinks are among the worst offenders when it comes to the dangers of sugar for oral health. Even fruit juice with added sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth.

Hard Candy

Hard candies can be extremely damaging to the teeth and gums. The sugar content alone can cause tooth decay and erosion issues. Biting down on hard candy can also cause tooth fractures and other damage. Eventually, the buildup of sugars and acids in the mouth can lead to periodontal disease and infections in your gums and teeth. When this happens, patients will need to visit the dentist for fillings, crowns, or extractions.

Soft Drinks And Energy Drinks

Sodas are one of the worst things you can consume if you care about your dental health. They are loaded with sugars and acids that erode enamel and lead to tooth decay and cavities. These beverages are also highly acidic, so they will cause an increase in acid levels in your mouth. This increase in acid can soften your tooth enamel and make it more susceptible to damage and decay. If you drink soda regularly, you will see a decline in the health of your teeth and the development of plaque.

Coffee and Tea

Food and beverages that stain the teeth can weaken your enamel and cause your teeth to become more susceptible to decay. One culprit is coffee and tea. While these are drinks many people enjoy on a daily basis, they can wreak havoc on the teeth.

Although black coffee contains less sugar than colas and energy drinks, it can still cause cavities by eroding your enamel over time. The acidity in coffee also causes dry mouth, which can increase your risk of tooth decay. The combination of sugar and acid can cause the demineralization of tooth enamel. This weakening of enamel leaves teeth prone to decay as well as staining and yellowing.

Wine

If you do enjoy the occasional glass of wine with dinner or on special occasions, there are a few things to remember. First, try to only drink wine in moderation. Alcohol can also dry out the mouth, so rinsing with water after can help limit the impact. Additionally, using a straw for drinking your wine can help reduce contact with your teeth. This will help reduce the number of stains that develop from red wine. If you must drink red wine, consider drinking a glass of water between glasses to stay hydrated.

Sports Drinks

Many sports drinks contain a significant amount of sugar and acid, which can damage the teeth over time. Most energy drinks also contain a large dose of caffeine which can lead to dehydration as well. Water is the best drink for your body and your hydration needs while exercising.

Citrus Fruits and Juices

Citrus fruits and juices have a bad reputation for eroding the enamel of your teeth. The high acidity in citrus can have serious negative effects on your oral health, especially if you don’t practice proper dental hygiene afterward. The acids in orange and other citrus fruits can break down your tooth’s enamel, which protects the inner layers of your teeth from decay. Once these layers are damaged, you’re at a higher risk of cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, most orange juices and juice cocktails contain a lot of added sugars. This can increase plaque buildup and increase your risk of cavities.

If you do drink fruit juices or eat citrus fruits, make sure you rinse your mouth out with water after you eat or drink them. This will help wash away any lingering acid and sugar. Also, limit your consumption of citric fruits and vegetables as much as possible, as they are very acidic. In general, it’s better to drink plain water instead of drinks and beverages that are high in acidity and sugar content.

To learn more oral-care tips, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vahadi by calling at 972-335-7100. We proudly welcome patients from Frisco and all surrounding communities, including Dallas, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, The Colony, Carrollton, Lewisville, and more.