Oral health means more than just having an attractive smile. It allows for comfortable chewing, talking, and smiling. However, there are certain foods that can damage your oral health. Here are some of them.
Sugary Foods
The bacteria that live in your mouth feed on the sugars from food and produce acids as a byproduct of their digestion process. Over time, these acids can erode the enamel on your teeth and cause cavities. Additionally, the presence of sugar in the mouth increases the likelihood of contracting periodontal infections such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Some of the worst foods that are high in sugar include gummy candies, lollipops/lollipop sticks, caramel, dried fruits, chocolate syrup, cake frosting, and soda.
Hard Candy
One food that damages our teeth is hard candy. The hard nature of these candies, combined with the stickiness of the sugar and artificial dyes, can make it difficult for the teeth to get the sugars off them, resulting in cavities. This is especially true if the candy is sucked on for a long period of time so that the saliva can’t wash away the sugars. Children should be taught not to suck on hard candies, and parents should monitor their children’s consumption of candies so that they don’t consume too much.
Red Wine
Another item on the list is the glass of red wine that is often enjoyed by many Americans. While wine has health benefits, like red wine consumption has been linked to heart health, drinking too much of it can have some negative health effects as well. Red wine contains tannins that can cause staining of teeth as well as increased bacteria in the mouth. Drinking water alongside your glass of wine can help to wash some of this away and reduce the stains left behind by the drink.
Soft Drinks
Just like soft drinks, sports drinks also have a high sugar content. But what makes these drinks even worse is their pH balance. The acidity in these types of drinks is very harmful to tooth enamel, especially when consumed regularly. Over time, the acidity in these drinks can break down your tooth enamel and make them vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity, and severe erosion. Additionally, the citric acid found in citrus fruits and juices can also damage teeth. As your enamel becomes thinner due to acidic food and drinks, your teeth become more sensitive and susceptible to decay. Enamel can be restored through a treatment like a fluoride therapy or remineralization. However, if the enamel has been damaged extensively, then your dentist may recommend getting veneers.
Coffee & Tea
Both coffee and tea contain tannins that can eat away at tooth enamel, causing yellowing or even brown discoloration. Black tea is the worst choice for oral health due to its high tannin content. If you must have coffee or tea, use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
Citrus Fruits and Juices
Whether to consume citrus juices depends on which form it is in. The fresh form of citrus juice is better for oral health than frozen or some other processed forms like concentrated juices. This is because most forms of processed citrus contain added sugars and preservatives that can damage the teeth’ enamel and cause cavities over time.
In addition to being better for our teeth than other processed forms, fresh citrus is also better for our bodies because it contains antioxidants and vitamin C to help boost our immune system and protect us from illness.
However, before you run out and start consuming all of your citruses in the form of juice, remember that it is still very acidic and can erode your teeth’s enamel. Always drink your citrus in moderation, and be sure to rinse your mouth with water after drinking it to reduce any negative effects it may have on your teeth.
Briarwood Family Dentistry, located in Aurora, CO, offers the best and most gentle dental care services to patients. Dial (303) 680-6000 and book an appointment with us to learn more about our dental services.