Worst Foods For Oral Health

Everyone knows what foods are good for the body, but only a few of us know what foods are good for our teeth. Our teeth are responsible for chewing and biting the food we eat, and the food we eat can affect our teeth. Eating sugary or starchy foods or drinking acidic beverages like soda and fruit juice can wear down our enamel. As our enamel wears down, it leaves our teeth vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. Here are a few foods and beverages that can affect our oral health badly.

• Citrus fruits

The acidity of citrus fruits can cause enamel erosion and sensitivity, which is why it's important not to brush immediately after consuming acidic food and drink. The high acid content can soften the enamel on your teeth which can make them more vulnerable to damage when you brush or floss. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and wait at least an hour before brushing. You may also want to consider eating non-citrus fruits such as apples, pears, or strawberries instead.

In addition to making your enamel weaker, high-acidity foods and beverages can also irritate your gums and cause inflammation. 

• Potato chips

The starch in potato chips makes them difficult to chew and digest, leading to bloating and stomach pains. This can cause your saliva to dry up, which puts you at a higher risk of tooth decay. Additionally, potato chips are often laden with fats, making them a bad snack option for your oral health as well as your overall health.

• Candies

An absolute worst food for your teeth and gums by far is sour candy. The high acid content in these candies can erode tooth enamel and permanently damage your teeth. Avoid eating sour candy whenever possible, and remember to rinse your mouth with water after eating anything acidic or sugary.

• Dried fruits

Many people enjoy dried fruits as a snack or in trail mix, but these chewy snacks can also be very damaging to your teeth. 

Dried fruits are full of sugar that can stick to teeth and cause cavities over time. Even "healthier" options, like raisins and apricots, are dangerous because their texture can cause them to stick easily to teeth. Once they're there, they can be very hard to remove without damaging your enamel.

• Bread

Eating bread isn't bad for you overall, but it can lead to issues with your teeth. The high starch content in bread can lead to cavities and tooth decay if eaten regularly. Instead of eating white bread, opt for whole wheat bread instead.

• Alcohol

Too much alcohol is bad for you in general. It can increase your blood pressure and lead to other health issues over time. But it can also have a negative impact on your oral health as well. Drinking too much can lead to dry mouth, which can make conditions like gum disease worse. It can also increase your risk for mouth cancer as well as oral cancer.

• Carbonated drinks

Sodas and other carbonated beverages are terrible for your teeth. Not only do they increase plaque production in your mouth, but they can also lead to erosion of the enamel on your teeth. This can make it more likely for you to experience cavities in the future. If you do drink soda from time to time, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterward.

• Ice

Chewing on ice causes more harm than good. The ice may provide you with short-term relief, but it can actually end up causing damage in the long run. When you chew on ice, it can break open your tooth.

Louie Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing the best care for your health. To know more about good oral care habits, visit our office at 41268 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538. Please contact us at (510) 656-7778.