Posted by WOODRUFF FAMILY DENTISTRY on Jul 16 2022, 11:25 PM
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is imperative to improving the overall health of your teeth, mouth, and gums. Healthy brushing habits can help eliminate the risk of dental decay, periodontal disease, and bad breath. However, to ensure our oral health, this is not enough. Here is a list of a few food items you should avoid to maintain the health of your teeth and mouth:
Sweets, like ice cream, soda, or candy, contain sugar. Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria that cause plaque and tooth decay. Eating these sugary foods can quickly increase your risk of cavities. If you must have sweets, be sure to brush or rinse your teeth afterward.
Soda is one of the worst beverages you can consume. It's highly acidic and high in sugar content. The bacteria in your mouth feed on this sugar, producing more acid, which can break down your teeth. Additionally, the acid can weaken your tooth enamel, increasing your risk for tooth decay. If you drink soda often, you should increase your frequency of dental cleanings to lower your risk of cavities.
Dried fruit contains a lot of sugar, which will increase your risk for tooth decay. The sticky, chewy texture of dried fruit will also stay in your mouth longer, increasing the likeliness that the sugar will cling to your teeth and increase your risk for cavities.
Sports drinks are acidic and sugary and can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. This drink contains both acids and sugar, and sipping on sports drinks throughout the day can be damaging. Sports drinks are also very sticky and cling to teeth, which can leave residue and sit on enamel for prolonged periods of time, which can make teeth more prone to decay.
Chewing gum, by itself, is not harmful. However, some gum can contain sugar, which can enhance tooth decay. In addition, some sugar-free gums also contain acidic flavorings, which can erode tooth enamel. If you chew gum, make sure it has the ADA seal. This seal means the product has met the American Dental Association's standards for safety and effectiveness.
Crunchy and salty foods can be harmful to your teeth because these foods can cling to your teeth, causing plaque buildup. When this happens, your gum tissue can become inflamed, which can lead to gingivitis.
Chips and popcorn also contain a lot of starch, which can turn into sugar. This sugar feeds the oral bacteria that are found in your mouth, which can lead to the development of cavities and tooth decay.
Alcoholic beverages that are consumed frequently can lead to a higher incidence of cavities. This is because many alcoholic beverages are high in sugar content. The sugar combines with the bacteria in your mouth to form plaque, which slowly attacks the surface of your teeth. Over time, this plaque buildup can destroy your enamel and lead to cavities.
Some sticky candies are harder to remove from teeth, making them more of a risk for decay and damage. Sticky candy can also get stuck in teeth, which can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease.
Ice can cause damage when chewing or biting down on it. Ice can crack teeth, cause tooth sensitivity, and irritate the soft tissues of the mouth.
Ice cubes can pick up bacteria from the environment, and these bacteria can enter your mouth when you chew or bite down on the cubes. This can cause oral infections.
Coffee is a popular drink that is enjoyed by many. However, too much coffee can cause stains on your teeth, as well as leave your teeth vulnerable to cavities. Coffee contains tannins that coat your teeth, which can leave brown stains that are difficult to remove. The acid in coffee also can make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
Our staff at Woodruff Family Dental is available to assist you and your entire family throughout all of your dental procedures. Call (870) 972-8190 to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Come see us at 2800 Enterprise Cv, Jonesboro, AR 72401, or send us an email.
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