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Oral health plays an important role in your overall health. A poor diet can negatively impact your teeth and gums. Here are some foods you should avoid to maintain good oral health:

Hard Candy

Hard candies are the worst type of candy for your dental health because they are not just sticky but are also very hard on your teeth. The sugar in hard candy acts as fuel for bacteria in the mouth, which itself creates cavities by feeding on the food you eat after you consume the candy. These candies also tend to stick to the teeth for long periods of time, which increases the amount of time the sugar is in contact with your teeth. The longer the sugar stays in contact with your teeth, the more chance it has to damage your enamel.

In addition to causing damage to the teeth and gums, the hard texture of these types of candies can also chip or crack teeth, making them even weaker and prone to cavities. Once your teeth become chipped or cracked, bacteria can get into the damaged area and cause more problems.

Soft Drinks

Sugary drinks like soda and sports beverages are some of the worst for oral health because they contain a lot of sugar which feeds the bacteria in the mouth and causes tooth decay. Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your health overall. Water helps to prevent dry mouth, maintain healthy saliva levels and promote good overall health. Soda and other sugary drinks should be avoided as much as possible. If you do drink them, try to limit your intake to once a day or only occasionally. You should also rinse your mouth with water after drinking them to help wash away the sugars. Look for sugar-free alternatives whenever possible.

Coffee and Tea

Do you know that coffee and tea can wreak havoc on your teeth? Aside from staining them, drinking coffee can also cause tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. This is mostly due to the acidity of coffee, which isn’t great for your oral health. This type of acidic beverage can also lead to tooth decay and cavities over time as well. If you just can’t give up your morning cup(s) of joe, consider drinking it through a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. Using a straw can also reduce the amount of sugar that’s in your coffee as well, so if you’re concerned about calories or sugar consumption, this may be a good option for you.

The acidity in tea can also make your smile less attractive over time as well. Try rinsing your mouth out with water after consuming an acidic drink, especially one like tea or coffee, to help reduce the acid’s contact with your teeth.

Wine

Alcoholic beverages can cause dry mouth, which can lead to periodontal disease. A dry mouth allows plaque to build faster, leading to cavities. The acidity in wine can also erode enamel, causing yellow teeth, bad breath, and other dental problems. Limit your consumption of alcohol to no more than two drinks daily for men and one drink per day for women. Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages can also help combat dry mouth. Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day for minimal oral health issues.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks contain harmful acids that can erode the protective enamel covering your teeth. Some sports drinks are sweetened with sugar, which can increase your chances of developing cavities or tooth decay. Always choose sugar-free options for the best oral health care benefits. Water is always the best choice for hydrating before, during, and after physical activities.

Citrus Fruits and Juices

Citrus fruits and juices are high in acid content and can be harmful to tooth enamel if consumed regularly – especially in large quantities or after brushing the teeth. The acidity in citrus fruits can be responsible for eroding the protective layer on the teeth, leaving the sensitive and vulnerable area exposed. The high acidity of lemons can weaken your enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to stains and yellowing. Although lemons and other citruses contain Vitamin C, which is beneficial for your health, too much acidity can cause damage to your teeth and gums. We suggest drinking a glass of lemon water in the morning as part of a healthy morning routine but staying away from other citrus fruits and juices throughout the day. If you do consume them, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water immediately after to prevent damage that could occur from the high acidity levels.

Wish to learn more about maintaining good oral health? Call our dental office and schedule an appointment with us.