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Posted by Nimesh Patel 2023-01-25

This is a thumbnail image of blog Foods That Can Harm Your Oral Health

Do you often find yourself consuming sugary foods or drinking sugary drinks? Are you worried if these foods are bad for your oral and dental health? If yes, read on to know how these foods negatively affect your dental health.

Sugary Foods

Any food high in sugar is unhealthy for your teeth. Sugar feeds oral bacteria, causing tooth decay and cavities. Sticky candies like caramel stick to the teeth, lingering in the mouth for a long time. This means that your saliva cannot wash the sugar away, so it sits on your teeth, damaging enamel. Avoiding sticky treats reduces your risk of tooth decay.

Hard Candy

Hard candies are one of the worst treats for your oral health. Sugar from the candy will stick to your teeth, encouraging bacteria growth and causing the enamel to wear away faster. The sugar also clings to the bacteria that already live in your mouth and causes them to multiply more quickly. Eating these types of candy can cause you to get cavities in a shorter amount of time. Cavities require treatment from your dentist that can be painful and expensive. Some types of hard candy even contain acids that can cause damage to your teeth. Acidic foods wear away the enamel on your teeth faster than other foods. This puts you at a greater risk of tooth decay, cavities, and even sensitivity issues with the teeth. If you do eat hard candy, make sure to brush and floss your teeth immediately afterward to remove as much residue as possible.

Soft Drinks

Sugary beverages are some of the worst for oral health for a number of reasons. To start, they include a lot of sugar in them. This is one of the reasons why they are so sweet and enjoyable to drink. However, that sugar feeds oral bacteria in the mouth. As a result, these bacteria produce acid. This acid wears down tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Additionally, the acids in soft drinks damage gum tissue and cause gum disease to develop. To avoid these problems, you should limit your intake of sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks.

Coffee/Tea

The acid in coffee can also wear down your enamel over time. If you drink a lot of coffee or tea daily, make sure you also consume plenty of water to wash away the acidity and wash it away from your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking coffee or drinking tea to help wash away any of the acids that remain in your mouth.

Wine

Alcohol can cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. It can also wear down your enamel. Red wine specifically can cause stains on your teeth, which is the last thing you need if you’re wearing braces or undergoing teeth whitening treatments. If you do drink red wine, be sure to brush your teeth soon after to avoid staining. You can also drink water after consuming any alcoholic beverage to rinse your mouth out and stay hydrated.

If you want to sip on some wine during a special occasion, consider drinking it through a straw. This will reduce the amount that hits your teeth.

Sports Drinks

Many sports drinks claim to help athletes perform better during workouts or sporting events. However, these drinks are also filled with sugars and other additives that can damage teeth. The acid in these beverages can cause tooth enamel to wear away over time. Additionally, consuming too much refined sugar can directly damage teeth. If you are an athlete who chooses a sports drink over water before an event, rinse your mouth with water after drinking to reduce any damage it may cause to your teeth. To maintain a healthy smile, avoid eating these types of foods and beverages wherever possible. 

Dried Fruits

The chewy texture and sweet taste of dried fruits are appealing treats that are easy to pack in a lunch or keep in your desk drawer at work for a quick afternoon snack. Unfortunately, the sticky consistency of dried fruit means that it sticks to your teeth long after consumption; this doesn’t just make your mouth feel gross but also contributes to tooth decay. Additionally, many dried fruits contain added sugars and preservatives that make them harmful to your overall health. If you do enjoy the taste of dried fruit, look for options that are unsweetened. 

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is essential to maintaining overall health and quality of life. Visit Dental 2000 33 Creek Rd #210-B, Irvine, CA 92604, or call (949) 857-6757 to book an appointment.

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Location

39 Creek Rd Suite #210,
Irvine, CA 92604

Office Hours

MON - FRI9:00 am - 6:00 pm

SAT - SUNClosed

Location

30012 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite B,
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Office Hours

MON - FRI9:00 am - 5:00 pm

SAT - SUNClosed

IRVINE, CA

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA