4 Foods That Can Harm Your Teeth

Following a simple dental routine by brushing your teeth and flossing can help prevent common dental problems. However, you should also be careful about what you eat. Some food can be harmful to your dental health, especially when you consume them in excess. Food items like candy, create a plaque buildup in your mouth which results in tooth decay. In fact, different foods have different effects on your dental health. Here’s a list of foods that damage your teeth and should be reduced.

1) Food Items that are High on Sugar

Thumbs down to lollipops, candies and caramels that have high levels of sugar. This is because sugar contains bacteria that are responsible for creating acids in your mouth. Once there is the acid formation in your mouth, dental problems like cavities and plaque begin to take place.

Nevertheless, it’s understandable that cutting down on your sugary diet or the after-meal dessert is difficult. See to it that you at least minimize the sugar intake or brush your teeth after you have had sugary foods so that sugar doesn’t linger for a longer time in your mouth.

2) Food Items that Contain Citrus

Citrus intake is harmful to your teeth. Foods like lemon or orange contain citrus acids that erode your tooth enamel giving rise to tooth decay. A weakened enamel can cause other dental issues like sensitivity and discoloration of teeth. Even though a pinch of lemon can add fun to your beverage, it may not always be the best choice for your oral health. Therefore, reduce the intake of food items like lemons, pickles, tomatoes, and oranges. Another way to protect your teeth enamel is to drink lots of water after you’ve consumed these citrusy foods.

3) Food Items with Starch Content

Starch is not good for your teeth as the consumption of starch kick starts the acid production and sugar build up by the bacteria present in your mouth. Many starchy food items like bread, potato chips and pasta may no doubt be delicious, but can easily get trapped between your teeth and crevices. Ensure that your food contains less added sugar so that they can’t be easily broken by oral bacteria. Also, if you consume bread often, you should consider replaceing it with whole-wheat bread.

4) Food Items that Leads to Dry Mouth

The best defense against oral issues is saliva as it prevents the food from sticking to your teeth. But unfortunately, when your mouth is dry, the saliva level in your mouth is low and can’t do its job appropriately. Food items like alcohol, coffee, and energy drinks lead to dry mouth. Also, it is recommended that you avoid salty, spicy, and acidic foods if you are facing dry mouth problems. Drink plenty of water and use fluoride rinses and other oral re-hydration solutions. A hydrated mouth will keep away oral problems like tooth decay, gum diseases and other oral infections.

Now that you know the foods that damage your teeth, be careful when you eat. Improper oral diet may end up giving rise to dental problems like severe tooth pain, cavities or tooth decay, and even gum diseases in certain cases. The best way to prevent bad oral health is by visiting a dentist who not only solves all your dental issues but also helps you to maintain a proper oral health.