Foods for Your Teeth: 6 Bad Foods to Avoid

Your diet affects more than your body; it can also have an impact on oral health. When we eat food, our teeth come into contact with it, and this can either strengthen them or put them at risk of decay.

Healthy foods like milk and other calcium-rich foods can help strengthen the enamel. But we also have bad foods that negatively affect your teeth and gums and cause tooth decay.

What Foods Are Bad for Your Teeth?

There are certain foods to avoid if you want to have a healthy smile, prevent decay and gum disease.

• 1. Alcoholic beverages

Alcohol is known to be a drying agent as it decreases the saliva in the mouth, leading to a dry mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in your dental health because it cleans the mouth of the left food particles. It also supplies essential minerals needed to support the enamel.

Furthermore, alcoholic beverages contain sugars that can cause tooth decay by dissolving the protective enamel of the teeth. Hard liquors are particularly damaging because they contain high concentrations of alcohol, which is corrosive to teeth.

All these factors can affect your teeth and gums and increase your risk of decay. Overindulging in alcohol is bad for your oral health and overall wellness. It is recommended to limit your intake of alcohol and if you take the beverages, rinse your mouth immediately.

• 2. Sour candy

Sour candy contains citric and lactic acids, which break down tooth enamel and lower the pH level in the mouth. This leads to dental erosion and sensitivity.
Researchers have found that adults with cavities are more likely to consume sour candies than other types of candy. If you have a sweet tooth and are craving candy, choose options that are non-sticky and easy to brush off.

• 3. White bread

White bread is associated with several health consequences, such as the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and it’s also been linked to oral health.

White bread is often composed of refined grains that have not been subjected to the same milling processes as whole grains. For example, whole wheat flour contains fiber and nutrients in addition to its carbohydrates. The bacteria in the mouth easily break the refined grains, creating an acid solution. Furthermore, the bread forms a sticky substance when chewed, which easily sticks in between the gums.

• 4. Citrus

Citrus fruit juice in the mouth can cause damage to your teeth, because of the acids in them. Acid is what causes erosion on the tooth surface, and it leaves your mouth feeling dry. The more acidic fruit you eat, the more corrosive it will be on your teeth.
The best way to avoid acid damage is by swishing water around for 10-30 seconds or rinsing with fluoride toothpaste after eating citrus fruits.

• 5. Carbonated drinks

Many people drink carbonated drinks that are full of fizzy bubbles. These bubbles can damage teeth, especially if they are consumed in high amounts.

Carbonated drinks, like cola and lemonade, maybe very refreshing on a hot day, but they also cause problems for your teeth. When these drinks are consumed too frequently, the acidity can erode tooth enamel. In addition to causing dental erosion, this type of acidic liquid can also cause bad breath.

• 6. Potato chips

Potato chips are one of the most popular snack foods– they are crunchy, tasty, and easy to eat. But, they can increase plaque buildup on your teeth.

Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. If you want to avoid these problems, try to limit how often you eat crunchy treats like potato chips or other sticky snacks like gum or candy.

What Other Bad Oral Habits Can Cause Decay?

Not brushing your teeth properly, failing to floss or rinse your mouth with mouthwash can also lead to decay and gums disease. Also, not getting regular dental exams and cleaning can contribute to the problem.

It is crucial to visit a dental office near you for routine dental checkups so they can confirm that your teeth are healthy.

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Visit Starry Dental for more information about how to maintain your oral health.