Posted by Wayne H. Mori on Aug 7 2022, 11:39 PM
Your diet can affect the health of your gums, teeth, and mouth. For example, diets that are high in sugar can lead to tooth decay. That is because sugar feeds oral bacteria, which can then produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Consuming too many acidic foods, like citrus fruits, can also cause tooth enamel erosion. While sugary foods and drinks can feed decay-causing oral bacteria, some foods can actually help your smile. Some foods, such as apples, celery, and carrots, can actually help clean your teeth. They can also stimulate saliva, which contains minerals that strengthen tooth enamel. Some foods, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, can also build tooth enamel, which helps defend against decay. So, it is important that you eat a balanced diet, limit foods that are high in sugar, and avoid tobacco.
Read on to learn about a few food items you should avoid from your diet to maintain good oral health.
Sugary drinks are bad for your teeth. They bathe your teeth in acid, which wears away the enamel. All that acid can also eat away at the gums and lead to gum disease. The best option is to limit your consumption of any sugary drink. If you do drink them, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Dried fruits are sticky. And sticky foods cling to your teeth. Sugar, too, clings to your teeth, and dried fruit has a lot of it. Furthermore, over time, your teeth can use up enamel, trying to break down the fruit’s sticky texture.
Candies, sweets, chocolates, etc., are usually not great for your teeth. This is because many candies are sticky and sugary. They cling to your teeth, which can cause cavities.
Snacking on chips, crackers, popcorn, bread, and cookies can wreak havoc on your teeth. That’s because these foods all break down into simple sugars, which decay teeth. Over time, these simple sugars can weaken the enamel that protects your teeth and lead to cavities.
Sports drinks can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. They can break down the enamel on your teeth and weaken your enamel. Sports drinks are also very acidic, which can also damage your teeth. If you do choose to drink sports drinks, rinse your mouth with water after you’re done.
Coffee is a double threat to your teeth. It’s highly acidic, which softens enamel and makes it more vulnerable to cavities. It also stains teeth, which can darken enamel over time and create discoloration. It’s smart to limit your intake of coffee to no more than two cups a day.
Pickles are some of the worst foods for your teeth. Pickles contain a high amount of acidity, which can cause your enamel to erode. Whenever your enamel becomes damaged, your dentin becomes exposed and causes tooth sensitivity and pain.
Visit Wayne H Mori, D.M.D., 700 NE Multnomah St Suite 850, Portland, OR 97232, to know more tips on maintaining your oral health. Contact us at (503) 230-8814 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
