Food and Drinks That are Bad for the Teeth

Although there are many available dental procedures and treatments that ensure optimal dental health, prevention is still better than any cure. Other than brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, avoiding the wrong foods and drinks also help in keeping your teeth healthy. Here are some of the foods and drinks that damage the teeth:

 

Citrus Fruits

Although loaded with vitamin C and other nutrients that are good for the body, citrus fruits also contain sugar and acid that might erode tooth enamel over time. Grapefruit and lemon juice, in particular, are highly acidic. In 2008, a study found that among all the citrus juices, these two can cause the most damage to the teeth. Orange juice was said to cause the least damage based on the same study. Brushing, flossing and/or simple rinsing with plain water as soon as possible following consumption will help in minimizing any risks.

 

Ice

Some people think that ice is good for their teeth. Although it’s made of water and does not contain any sugar or other additives, ice can cause damage to the teeth when chewed because it’s hard. Chewing on hard substances leaves your teeth vulnerable to enamel damage and other dental emergencies.  Enjoy water in its liquid form, instead of its solid form.

 

Caffeinated Drinks

Coffee and tea, in their natural form, can be healthy beverage preferences. However, some people cannot drink these beverages without adding sugar. Caffeinated drinks are known for drying out the mouth. Frequent drinking of coffee and tea also leads to staining the teeth. When you do consume coffee or tea, make sure that you drink plenty of water afterwards.

 

Sticky Foods

Dried fruits are being eaten by some people because they are healthy, but a lot of dried fruits are sticky – these can also damage the teeth. Sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than any other types of food. If you eat dried fruits often, make sure you rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Brushing and flossing your teeth afterwards also helps in preventing teeth damage.  

 

Crunchy Foods

Crunch snacks such as potato chips are filled with starch. This additive tends to get trapped in between the teeth. If you are fond of eating these snacks, make sure that you floss carefully to remove food particles that lead to the build-up of plaque.

 

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol is not just bad for the teeth; it is also bad for overall health. Alcohol causes dry mouth and dehydration. People who drink alcohol excessively may find their saliva flow to reduce as time passes. This can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections including gum disease. Heavy alcohol use also increases the risk for mouth cancer.

 

For dental problems associated with eating and drinking the wrong foods and snacks, we can help you fix them. Contact Dr. Lean and his team of experts to prevent further teeth damage. 

7 Healthy Foods that Can Improve Your Dental Health

The food you’re using to nourish your body and achieve the nutrients you require for a healthy lifestyle can have a significant impact on your teeth, oral and overall health and well-being.  We have to consider how our diet impacts our oral health. By making a few simple changes, you may be able to improve your oral health over time and so within this blog, we’ll review seven healthy foods that can improve your dental health.

1. Apples

Apples have been called nature’s toothbrush for many decades because they work to stimulate the gums and increase the saliva flow in the mouth. This helps reduce the bacteria that can cause cavities and other dental conditions.

2. Carrots

Carrots are a leading source of beta carotene. Beta carotene can be turned into vitamin A by the body, ensuring optimal nutritional performance.

3. Cheese

While acid in the food that we eat can impact our tooth enamel, cheese and milk products work to reduce the level of acid within your mouth. Because a glass of milk or a piece of cheese is also filling, it also helps provide greater levels of nutritional energy than high sugar products filled with empty calories.

4. Raw Onions

Research continues to show that fresh, raw onion holds anti-bacterial properties. Studies have proven that raw onions can be used to wipe away four different types of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.

5. Cashews

Cashew nut oil has been shown to have microbe-fighting properties that protect against the bacteria that cause decay. These nuts can keep your teeth clean as well as fighting against skin issues such as acne! 

6. Wasabi

New research from Japan has shown that wasabi may be effective in stopping bacteria from sticking to your teeth. It’s a reason to give sushi a try

7. Spinach

Spinach and other high fiber foods are important for healthy teeth because they generate saliva during the chewing process. And they also work to physically scrub your teeth, removing any nasty bacteria in the process.

By keeping to a strict diet and allowing yourself to snack on only teeth-healthy foods, you can minimize the long-term damage to your teeth and, overall dental and medical health!  To learn more on the various teeth-healthy foods available, contact our office team here at Pickering Square Dental directly!