Worst Foods For Oral Health

Most foods we eat are healthy for our bodies, but some are not good for the teeth. Some foods, such as candy, are highly acidic and can wear away at the enamel, making teeth weak and more susceptible to damage. Other foods, such as soda, can erode teeth due to their high sugar content. It’s crucial to avoid foods that can cause damage to the teeth. Here are some foods that are damaging to our oral health.

Patients should limit sugar intake to protect their teeth from decay. Sticky candies, sodas, juices, and sour candy are all high in sugar and should be avoided as much as possible. These sugars feed oral bacteria that cause plaque formation and tooth decay. Limiting these types of food and drinks to mealtimes can help patients protect their teeth while enjoying their favorite foods and beverages.

What you eat and drink can have a big impact on your dental health. Acidic foods and beverages can wear down tooth enamel, causing sensitivity and decay. You can still enjoy acidic foods in moderation, but it’s better to rinse your mouth out with water afterward or chew on sugar-free gum for 15 minutes to neutralize acidity and strengthen your enamel. Try to limit the intake of the following acidic foods and beverages to prevent tooth decay:

• Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and pineapples
• Vinegar
• Sports drinks 
• Wine
• Tomatoes 
• Soy sauce
• Pickles
• Canned vegetables
• Ketchup and other condiments

Sticky foods, such as dried fruits, caramel, and gummies, can get stuck in your teeth long after you’ve eaten them. These foods feed the bacteria in plaque, so it’s important to brush after consuming sticky foods to help prevent them from sticking to your teeth and causing damage.

If you’ve been eating a lot of sticky foods and notice your gums are swelling or bleeding, you may be experiencing gingivitis. Treating gum disease early can prevent tooth loss and other serious health problems. 

Alcohol 

The drying effect of alcohol will irritate the sensitive tissue lining of the mouth and cause small cracks to form in the enamel of your teeth. Over time, these small cracks will allow bacteria and food particles to enter the tooth and cause tooth decay or cavities.

Spicy Foods and Drinks

Hot peppers and other spicy foods contain capsaicin, a compound that binds to pain receptors in the mouth. This can cause a burning sensation and make eating difficult. Additionally, these spicy substances can dry out your mouth by causing your salivary glands to produce more saliva to combat the spiciness.

Soda And Other Carbonated Drinks

If you drink soda or any other type of carbonated beverage, you’re increasing your risk for tooth decay and cavities. This is because the acidity in soda is so strong that it can wear away the enamel on your teeth and allow decay to start forming underneath. The carbonation can also increase tooth sensitivity by eroding the protective layer of enamel that normally protects the nerves inside the teeth from exposure.

If you do drink sodas or other carbonated beverages, it’s best to rinse your mouth out with water afterward to remove the acids from the mouth and prevent them from doing damage to the teeth.

Got any doubts? Visit Alencar Family Dentistry. We are located at 711 Greenbrier Pkwy Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Contact us at (757) 546-0301 or visit our website for more information.