Foods That Are Damaging To Oral Health

Eating healthy is important for the overall health of the body. But does eating right also mean eating healthy? Well, not always. Some foods may be nourishing for your body, but they can be detrimental to your oral health. Listed below are a few such foods.

• Sugary Foods

Foods that are high in sugar content are a major source of plaque and bacteria buildup. Not only are these foods high in sugar, but they are also highly acidic. When carbohydrates like those found in soda pop, gummy candies, cake, or ice cream are consumed, the pH level in our mouths drops drastically as our bodies produce acid to break down the sugars. This drop in pH creates the perfect environment for tooth decay and gum disease to flourish. These foods are best avoided or limited in the diet. If you have a sweet tooth, consider eating fresh fruit instead of candy as a healthier alternative. In addition to avoiding sugary foods and drinks, you should also avoid drinking out of straws, as these can transfer harmful sugars to the teeth as well. Drinking water throughout the day will help flush away any food debris that may get stuck between your teeth. 

• Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can wear away enamel, making the pH imbalance in the mouth even worse. These foods are also not the best for your teeth's overall health, as acidic substances can erode tooth enamel and weaken the structure of teeth. Some common culprits include citrus fruits, pickles, tomato juice, sports drinks, soda, wine, vinegar, and more. Fortunately, avoiding these foods isn't too difficult; however, if you do consume acidic foods and beverages, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth soon afterward. This will help neutralize the acid and help preserve the strength of the teeth.

• Sticky Foods

Candy, caramels, and toffee are sticky foods that can be damaging to your mouth. The sugar in these candies can get stuck between your teeth, making them more difficult to clean effectively with brushing or flossing. This can cause cavities to form as well as gum disease. It's best to avoid eating these types of snacks so you can prevent these problems from occurring. If you do eat these sticky snacks, make sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth afterward to remove the excess sugar and prevent bacteria from forming in your mouth. This will help to protect your smile and keep it healthy.

• Sports Drinks

While sports drinks and energy drinks are popular beverages among children and adults alike, they aren't the most healthy things for your teeth. Sports drinks are acidic and can erode the surface of your tooth enamel, which can be painful and cause sensitivity over time. Additionally, these drinks contain high amounts of sugar that can cause tooth decay. Instead of drinking a sports drink while working out, try to hydrate with water instead. It will protect your smile from eroding and will help you avoid cavities. If you do choose to drink a sports drink, do so in moderation and rinse your mouth out with water when you're done.

• Hard Candy

While it's hard to avoid eating the occasional piece of hard candy, there are a few reasons why it's best to avoid it. First, it's high in sugar, and the sugar can cause plaque buildup that leads to cavities. Second, the hard texture can cause damage to tooth enamel by wearing away the protective surface layer of the enamel. Finally, the sticky nature of hard candy makes it more likely that it will get stuck in between teeth, causing damage and infection.

Schedule an appointment with Lakeview Dental to learn more about good oral care. Visit us at 801 Milwaukee Dr., Coeur D'Alene, ID 83814. Contact us at (208) 664-0884 or visit our website for more information.