Worst Foods For Oral Health

When it comes to the health of your teeth, it’s important to keep in mind that there are several factors that contribute to your oral and overall health. One factor that shouldn’t be overlooked is the food that you eat. Certain foods can actually help to protect your teeth and oral health, while others can cause more harm. Here are a few foods that can cause harm to your oral health:

  • Sticky candies

Candy, in general, is bad for your teeth. Sweets promote tooth decay and cavities. They allow bacteria to reach your teeth, creating acids that wear away at your enamel. Sticky candies are even worse because they stick to surfaces like your teeth, and the longer you let them stay there, the more harmful they become.

  • Sports drinks 

Most sports drinks contain citric acid, which is known to cause tooth erosion and weaken dental enamel. If you really need a sports drink to stay hydrated, drink some water before and after.

  • Hard candies

While hard candies are a popular treat, they are not good for your oral health. These candies are formulated to last a long time, which means the sugars in the candy can linger between teeth for hours. The longer the sugar stays, the more opportunity it has to damage teeth. Hard candies that are kept in the mouth for a long time can chip or crack teeth and cause oral pain. If you have children, it is best that you avoid giving them hard candies. Because children have not yet learned proper oral hygiene, hard candy can be especially damaging to their oral health.

  • Ice

Many people love to chew on ice because it’s a pleasurable way to pass the time. Unfortunately, ice doesn’t just taste refreshing – it’s downright dangerous for the teeth. Ice can put pressure on the teeth and gums and can lead to cracks and chips. These chips can lead to tooth sensitivity and eventually the need for dental crowns.

  • Acidic foods

Acidic foods and drinks can damage your teeth. Foods that are high in acid include citrus fruits, tomatoes, soda, and wine.

  • Dry foods

The most common foods that are extremely bad for oral health are those that are dry. Dry foods commonly include crackers, pretzels, and chips. Dry foods have a very high carbohydrate content. When these foods are eaten, they are broken down in the mouth to form glucose. This glucose is the sugar that is most commonly associated with tooth decay.

  • Carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages, such as soda, are high in acid and can cause enamel erosion. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Sodas are very acidic, causing the enamel to become softer and more prone to erosion. Enamel erosion is irreversible enamel loss. Enamel loss makes teeth sensitive and susceptible to decay.

  • Sugary foods

Candy, cookies, and cake are some of the worst foods for oral health. These sugary foods stay in the mouth for a long time, feeding oral bacteria. This can lead to tooth decay and cavities. This is why it’s important to brush and floss your teeth after eating sugary foods, as well as rinse your mouth with mouthwash.

  • Starchy foods

This includes bread, crackers, pretzels, chips, and anything else that’s made with flour and starch. These types of foods are also high in carbohydrates. While they’re delicious, they’re not doing your mouth any favors. Starchy foods stick to your teeth, which creates an acidic environment in your mouth. This environment is prime for tooth decay.

  • Alcoholic beverages

Drinking alcohol can have many negative side effects on your oral health. It can cause dry mouth, which can increase the chance of decay and gum disease, as well as bad breath. Alcoholic beverages are also acidic and can break down the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay.

Contact Progressive Dental to learn more tips for maintaining good oral health. Schedule an appointment with our dentist by calling Dentist in Ann Arbor, MI at (734) 930-4022 or visit our office at 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive Lobby A, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.