Worst Foods For Oral Health

Healthy eating habits are a very important part of good oral health. Healthy foods help strengthen your teeth, keep your breath fresh, and reduce the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. So, try to eat a variety of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and dairy products. However, it is also important to limit foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, including soft drinks, candy, and baked goods. Here is a list of food items that should be avoided or consumed in limited quantities so as to prevent damage to oral health.  

• Lemons and Limes

Lemons and limes are highly acidic and can cause damage to the tooth enamel. Acidic foods cause dental erosion, which is the loss of dental enamel. Over time, dental erosion causes dental cavities. To reduce dental erosion, avoid snacking on lemons and limes. 

• Hard Candy

Hard candies can cause dental emergencies like a broken or chipped tooth. These candies can also create tooth sensitivity, which can lead to tooth pain and a weakened immune system.

• Ice

Do you know chewing ice increases your risk of cracked and chipped teeth? In addition, chewing ice can take years off your smile. One reason chewing ice is bad for your teeth is because chewing ice, or any hard food, puts a lot of pressure on your teeth. This pressure can lead to tooth fractures and cracks. It can even lead to broken fillings and crowns. Besides, chewing ice can also cause tooth sensitivity as well. 

• Sticky Foods

Sticky foods linger in your mouth longer than other foods. The longer these foods are in your mouth, the more time the sugar in them has to attack your teeth. Sticky foods include candy, chocolate, dried fruit, and even certain candies that are soft.

• Alcoholic Beverages

It’s no myth that many alcoholic drinks are harmful to your teeth. Red wine is notorious for staining and damaging enamel. Beer has a lot of carbohydrates that can stick to teeth, and when that sugar mixes with the bacteria in your mouth, it can create cavity-causing acids.

• Coffee

Coffee has a nasty habit of staining teeth. On top of that, coffee can contribute to cavities. That’s because coffee has high levels of acidity, and when it’s consumed in high quantities, it can cause enamel erosion. 

• Caramel Candy

Caramel candy is one of the worst foods for oral health because it contains high levels of sugar, which encourages bacteria to grow. Bacteria contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, so it is best to avoid caramel candy whenever possible.

Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which produces acid. This acid attacks your enamel, which can lead to cavities. Additionally, the sugar in caramel candy coats your teeth. As they eat, bacteria feed on these sugars, which attack your enamel. This can lead to tooth decay.

• Soda

Soda contains acid and sugar, which can start to wear away at your teeth. Over time, soda can erode your enamel and expose the sensitive layers of your teeth, which could lead to tooth decay and cavities. If you do drink soda, make sure to rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as soon as possible.

To learn more tips to maintain good oral health, visit Bruce R. Clark, DDS, MAGD, 2550 Stover St E-102, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Call us at ( 970 ) 498 8607 to book an appointment.