The foods we eat can impact the state of our oral health. Eating healthy foods can help strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities and tooth decay. On the other hand, when you eat foods that contain high amounts of sugar, the bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars. This can cause a sticky film to form on the teeth, called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acid that demineralizes and breaks down the tooth enamel.
Here is a list of common food items that can damage our teeth and impact our oral health:
- Sugar
Sugar causes tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth feed off the sugar you eat, producing acid that wears away tooth enamel. This is why dentists typically recommend limiting sugary drinks and snacks. Certain types of sugar, such as fructose and lactose, cause significantly more harm to your teeth than others.
- Candy
Candy is bad for your teeth for many reasons. It is sticky, which allows it to cling to your teeth. This allows sugar to stay on your teeth longer, which encourages decay. Additionally, many candies contain acid that wears away your tooth enamel.
- Hard candy
Hard candy can damage your teeth. The candy’s hard texture can crack your enamel. The sugar in the candy can also contribute to tooth decay. Also, if you bite down too hard on hard candy, you could chip or break your teeth.
- Sugary soda
Soda is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It’s inexpensive and easy to find. Unfortunately, soda can have a big impact on your dental health. Soda contains high levels of acid and sugar, which can damage your enamel.
- Fruit juices
Fruit juice contains a lot of sugar and acid, which can wear away at the enamel of your teeth. If you must drink fruit juice, try to drink it in small amounts. It can be better to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after drinking the beverage.
- Sports drinks
Sports drinks are popular among athletes and anyone else who wants to quench their thirst. However, this popular beverage can do serious harm to your teeth and gums.
First, sports drinks have high sugar content. This sugar feeds the bacteria in the mouth and leads to plaque. This plaque attacks the teeth and leads to tooth decay. Additionally, sports drinks often contain citric acid. This acid wears down the tooth enamel and leads to cavities.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is bad for your oral health because it dries your mouth out. This means that there is less saliva in your mouth, which is essential for protecting your teeth from tooth decay. Additionally, alcohol is packed full of sugar, which feeds the bacteria in your mouth and causes tooth decay.
- Coffee
Coffee is a popular beverage choice, but it shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities. Coffee is acidic, and it can cause enamel erosion. If you drink three cups of coffee a day, consider drinking a cup of water each time you drink coffee. This helps neutralize the acid in coffee.
- Dried fruit
Dried fruit is often touted as a healthier alternative to candy. However, dried fruit is just as damaging to your teeth as candy. Dried fruit contains high levels of sugar and acid, which combine to erode enamel. Additionally, dried fruit sticks to teeth, increasing the time sugars and acids have in contact with teeth.
- Ice
Ice can chip your teeth if you chew on it, which exposes your tooth’s dentin. This layer of the teeth is softer than enamel, so it can cause more damage.
How to take care of your teeth?
In addition to brushing and flossing at home, we typically recommend visiting the dentist at least twice each year. Regular dental cleanings allow us to remove plaque and tartar buildup that your toothbrush can’t reach. We can also check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems.
If you want to learn more about oral health, contact Dental Arts of Boston at (617) 266-0441 today to book an appointment with the Dentist in Boston, MA. Our team can offer guidance and make product recommendations for your unique smile.