What you eat shows on your teeth. When you eat sticky, sugary, and other unhealthy food items, you feed the bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria create a thin, sticky layer on your teeth known as plaque. And when you consumestarch and sugar, they come in contact with plaque to form acid. This acid attacks your teeth constantly if you do not clean them properly after meals and after a certain period, it breaks down the tooth enamel causing your oral health to deteriorate.
Moreover, bacteria build-up can result in serious dental issues such as chronic bad breath, tooth sensitivity, tooth erosion, receding gums, gingival embrasures, etc. But if you are conscious of what you eat and take proper oral healthcare diligently, you can avoid dental issues like a pro. Read on to find out some foods that you should never eat.
Carbonated Drinks –
According to a report by Temple University in Philadelphia, carbonated drinks are as damaging for teeth as crack cocaine is for our bodies. Carbonated sodas cause bacteria in your mouth to produce more acid which in turn attacks the surface of teeth causing them to erode over time. Moreover, it reduces the production of saliva which does not only help in digesting food but also works as a protective layer on the tooth enamel.
Citrus Fruits –
It’s hard to resist mouth-watering fruits and juices such as oranges, grapes, and lemons but their acid content can work against your oral health. Acid erodes tooth enamelwhich makes teeth not only lose their shine but also become more vulnerable to oral issues. Moreover, they can irritate mouth sores, if any.
Chewy and Sticky Foods –
Chewy and sticky foods stay stuck between the teeth and hide within the crevices which is whythey are the worst foods to eat. And sometimes, rinsing your mouth may not be enough too. And this can cause serious damage. People with Braces should especially avoid such foods.
For example, potato chipsare sticky and tend to get trapped between the teeth. And since they are loaded with starch, they aggravate the bacteria in your mouthleading to more serious dental issues. Another example is candies. Being chewy and sticky, candies cling to your teeth along with a lot of sugar. And the longer the sugar stays in your mouth, the more the damage.
Here are some sticky foods that you should avoid:
- Dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, figs, prunes, etc.
- Bread
- Potato chips
- Sour candies
- Chewing gum
- Caramel
- Licorice
Alcohol –
Alcohol dries out your mouth which means the lack of saliva. And since saliva prevents tooth decay and other gum diseases, alcohol shouldn’t be consumed frequently.
Teeth-Staining Foods –
Items like wine, tea, coffee, beetroot, etc. stain or discolor teeth. Hence, they should be avoided or at least, their use should be limited.
Tips to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
These ADA-approved tips will help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems:
- Brush your teeth after every meal or twice a day.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Consume sugary food with meals to increase the production of saliva. Saliva rinses food particles off your mouth and also protects it against acid.
- Avoid mid-meal snacks if you can’t brush your teeth after you eat.
- Drink more and more water. It will be even better if you drink fluoridated water.
Though it may be hard to resist the foods mentioned above, their consumption can certainly be limited. Moreover, if you back up your eating habits with effective oral care throughout the day, you can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Hope this helps!
About the Guest Author
Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily and she loves researching and writing about it. She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile – whether is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!
