Worst Foods For Oral Health

What we eat determines the overall health of our body. The same goes for our oral health as well. There are certain foods that are good for oral health, and there are certain foods that are not good for oral health. Knowing the difference between good and bad foods will help you achieve a healthier smile. Listed below are the top 5 worst foods for your oral health.

• Sugar

Sugar is bad for your oral health because it feeds bacteria in your mouth and can cause tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Bacteria eat up sugar to create acids that can break down your enamel and cause damage.

Eating lots of sugary foods and drinks can put you at risk for these oral health issues because you’ll be bathing your teeth in acid for long periods of time after you eat. You can protect your teeth by limiting the amount of sugary food and drink you consume each day and by rinsing your mouth out with water after you eat or drink something with sugar in it.

• Sticky Foods

When food gets trapped between your teeth and your gums, it promotes bacterial growth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. What’s worse is that this type of bacteria can be hard to remove on your own with brushing or flossing at home. Therefore, it is best to avoid sticky foods such as gummy candy, caramels, marshmallows, and dried fruits. However, if you feel the need to eat some of these snacks, make sure you brush immediately afterward.

• Hard Foods

Hard foods can chip or damage teeth enamel over time. Even healthy teeth can be chipped from biting down on something too hard, such as ice, bones, popcorn kernels, or candy. If you clench your teeth while you eat, that can add pressure and force to already-weakened tooth enamel.

• Candies

When it comes to candy and other sweets, they stick to your teeth and increase the risk of cavities. Sticky candies like gummy bears are also harmful because they coat the teeth with sugar and make it easier for bacteria to cling on. Hard candies are even worse because they damage the enamel and can cause teeth to break or chip. For this reason, it’s best to avoid eating these sugary snacks whenever possible to protect your teeth from decay.

• Acidic Foods

Acidic foods and drinks can wear away tooth enamel, causing teeth to become more sensitive and thinner over time. Some common culprits include coffee, soda, red wine, citrus juices, pickles, tomato sauce, and salad dressings. While it’s okay to enjoy these foods in moderation, it’s best to do so with a meal rather than as a snack. Eating or drinking acidic foods as part of a meal can help neutralize the acids and reduce damage to your teeth. Try drinking water or milk after enjoying them.

If you have concerns about dental health or wish to learn more tips to improve your oral health, visit Elan Dental or call us at (919) 556-6761 and schedule an appointment.