Worst Foods For Oral Health

When it comes to our oral health, what we eat has a substantial effect on our teeth. Eating foods that contain a lot of sugar, acids, and starches can weaken our enamel and make it more prone to decay. Over time, these foods can also contribute to gum inflammation, which can then lead to gum disease. It is, therefore, very important to maintain a good oral health routine and a healthy diet. Here is a list of a few foods that should be avoided to maintain good oral health:

• Candies, sweets, and desserts

Candy, cookies, chips, and crackers are some of the worst foods for your oral health. These foods tend to stick to your teeth and cause plaque buildup. The plaque buildup leads to tooth decay. Additionally, the carbohydrates in these foods break down into sugars. The sugars then mix with the bacteria living in your mouth. The bacteria form acids, which break down the enamel on your teeth and damage your gums.

• Chewy, sticky foods

Chewy, sticky foods can damage your enamel. Once the enamel is worn away, the nerves are left exposed, which can lead to tooth decay and sensitive teeth.

• Coffee, tea, soda, and wine

Coffee, tea, soda, and wine all have extremely high acidic levels, which can soften the enamel on your teeth. Enamel protects teeth from decay and erosion. Erosion occurs when the enamel is worn away, exposing the more sensitive layer of dentin. In addition, soda and wine both have high levels of sugar, which can feed harmful bacteria, causing cavities and gum disease.

• Starchy foods

Many foods contain starch, including bread, pasta, and potatoes. Starchy foods can get stuck between the teeth and cause bacteria to form. Bacteria feed on the food particles and can cause cavities. Some starchy foods, such as potato chips, are easy for food particles to stick to. Starchy foods without a strong crunch can be sticky and, therefore, bad for your oral health.

• Crunchy foods

Crunchy foods can be detrimental to your oral health. While enjoying crunchy foods in moderation may not be harmful, chewing on hard foods can put you at risk for chipped teeth and dental fractures. Hard foods can also damage your dental restorations. If you bite into a hard piece of food and damage a dental filling or dental crown, your restoration may need to be replaced.

• Hard candies

Hard candies are one of the worst foods for oral health for a couple of reasons. For starters, eating candies with teeth can cause them to wear away. Chewing candy also exposes teeth to sugar for long periods, which can increase the risk of cavities.

• Sports drinks

Sports drinks have high levels of acidity, which wear down tooth enamel. The sugary drinks also feed oral bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and other dental problems. If you have to use sports drinks, use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.

• Acidic foods

Acidic foods can cause tooth sensitivity, especially if eaten often. Acidic fruits and veggies include tomatoes, strawberries, citrus, and vinegar.

To learn more tips to maintain good oral health, you can get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us, and we'll guide you further. Call (516) 336-4902 to book an appointment at our Hicksville office and (516) 756-0111 for the Farmingdale office.