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. 

Summer Fun: Keep Your Teeth Safe

Summertime is the perfect time to be with your family and friends, and have fun under the sun! Since you will probably be thinking about all the good things you will be doing, you might neglect your teeth – but you shouldn’t. Here are some tips on how you can keep your teeth safe and shiny this summer:

Rinse your mouth after swimming
The acidity of the water in swimming pools can affect your tooth enamel. In order to prevent this from happening, rinse with clean water throughout the day as well as after swimming. Brushing your teeth within an hour of pool time should be avoided as the enamel might still be vulnerable. 

Drink enough water
Dry mouth contributes to cavities so it is important that you drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout the whole day. This is not just for your teeth, but for your overall health as well. (so-so)

Use straws when drinking fresh coolers
Drinking lemonades, sodas, and other sweet and acidic drinks can be bad for your teeth. Help your teeth by drinking through straws – this limits the impact of the acids on your teeth. You should also rinse with water after drinking sugary or acidic drinks as this helps, too. 

Brush your teeth after eating sweets
Hard candies soak your teeth in sugar for a long time while sticky candies, on the other hand, get stuck on your teeth. In order to protect your teeth and gums from too much sugar, you should brush and floss after these types of treats. If that’s not possible, you can just rinse with water or you can also chew sugarless gum, instead. 

Use proper protective equipment
When you are playing contact sports, make sure you use mouth guards accordingly. It doesn’t just protect your teeth, but it also helps prevent concussions. There are different types of mouth guards that are appropriate for different kinds of sports. To make sure that you are using the right one, it is best to consult Dr. Lean and his Team. 

We encourage you to take special care of your teeth during the summer. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are important especially when you’re on vacation. Summer can also be the best time to catch up on your missed dental appointments. Here at Pickering Square Dental, we make sure that we prioritize all our patients’ teeth. We provide the best dental services we can give for our valued patients. Call us today!