Maintaining good oral health is not just about brushing and flossing your teeth. Your diet also plays a significant role in determining your oral health. Eating healthy foods can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. On the other hand, some foods can increase the chances of developing gum disease and cavities. Listed below are 6 of the worst foods for oral health:
Soft drinks tend to be one of the worst culprits for sticky teeth. This is because carbonation tends to cling to the enamel on the surface of teeth, creating a nice little film layer that can trap food particles and bacteria between meals. This can also make cavities more likely in the long term. The sugar in sodas can also feed oral bacteria and irritate the soft tissue in the mouth while causing tooth decay. Thus, if you have a habit of drinking a lot of soda throughout the day, it’s strongly encouraged that you cut back for the sake of your smile. Opt for water instead!
Crunchy snacks like chips and pretzels can cause similar issues as those caused by soda. In fact, some people even experience the same, if not worse, problems with these types of snacks than they do with soda. Unlike sugars from sweet beverages, however, the carbohydrates in these snacks can lead to additional problems like dry mouth and even bad breath. It’s essential to keep the mouth hydrated with water and other hydrating liquids to help prevent these issues. It’s also advisable to make sure you don’t overindulge in these snacks as they’re typically high in fat and calories.
Despite their bright colors, sports drinks are not good for your oral health. Besides all the extra calories they contain, they are also very high in acidity and contain a lot of sugar. The citric acid in sports drinks can easily wear away at tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. If drinking sports drinks is unavoidable, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterward to wash away the acid and sugar. Brushing your teeth right after eating a sports drink can also help.
Beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are full of sugar and acid that can do serious damage to your teeth and gums. They can even cause both tooth decay and gum disease! While the occasional glass of alcohol won’t necessarily do any serious damage to your smile, consistent drinking can increase your risk of oral cancer or tooth discoloration. Try sticking to water in between alcoholic drinks to keep your head clear and protect your teeth from any unwanted damage.
Hard candies, lollipops, gummy candy, and caramels are some of the worst foods for oral health because they contain sugar. Sugar promotes tooth decay by feeding the bacteria that cause cavities. These bacteria excrete acids that eat away at the hard enamel of your teeth. Eventually, the acid weakens your teeth and causes them to erode or break.
To learn more about best practices for oral health, call Bay Area Dental at (510) 350-8187 or visit our dental office at 3300 Webster Street, #907, Oakland, CA 94609. Book your appointment with our dentist in Oakland, CA, to achieve the smile you have always wished for.