Have you ever wondered what foods cause the most dental problems? If you have, read on as we’ll delve deeper into the seven foods to avoid to protect your gums. We should clarify that these foods can be consumed when taken in moderation. If you see your favorite food on this list, be mindful of them and ensure you take proper care and brush thoroughly afterward.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol is bad for teeth because it can cause tooth decay. Almost all alcoholic beverages contain harmful acids and sugars that break down the tooth enamel and cause cavities. Regular consumption of alcohol increases the risk of gum disease. This is mainly due to the decrease in saliva production, which helps break down food particles. Saliva also naturally washes away bacteria on teeth, so having a decrease in saliva means that these bacteria can linger on teeth for longer. Excessive alcohol intake is generally bad for your health, so we’d recommend taking it in moderation when you decide to drink.
2. Bread
Bread is bad for your teeth because it contains a lot of carbs and sugars, which are both bad for oral health. Carbs can cause an increase of plaque to form on teeth, whereas sugars can lead to tooth decay. Of all the types of bread, white bread, in particular, is generally worse for your teeth and gums as it’s packed with sugars. It’s even more detrimental to oral health if you don’t regularly brush and floss. If you do love bread, make sure you properly rinse your mouth afterward!
3. Cereal
Even though cereal is considered by many to be a healthy breakfast option, it may be worse for your health since it’s bad for your teeth. Cereal contains a lot of sugar which can stick to your teeth and lead to a build-up of plaque which causes cavities.
4. Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is healthy but may be bad for your teeth and gums because they naturally contain many acids. These acids can erode the tooth enamel. Acidic foods and acidic beverages, in general, will lead to tooth decay and cavities. This is even more true for naturally acidic foods like oranges, apples, and grapes. While fruit juice contains a lot of nutrients, it may not be advisable to drink it daily. Though if you do, make sure you drink plenty of water.
5. Potato Chips
Potato chips are bad for your teeth because they have a high content of starch and salt. The starch in chips is known to cause tooth decay as it promotes the growth of bacteria. Chips are also tiny, so they can easily become stuck between gaps and may be harder to get to when brushing. This, combined with the fact that the salt in chips causes a dry mouth, means they’re not an ideal snack; we’d recommend drinking plenty of water if you decide to snack on them.
6. Soda / Carbonated Soft Drinks
Sweetened beverages such as soda are bad for oral health as they contain a lot of sugar and have high acidity. This is bad for teeth and gums as it erodes the tooth enamel, which causes tooth decay, which can lead to cavities. They’re also bad for your overall health and will result in weight gain and other health problems when consumed excessively.
7. Sticky or Hard Candies
Sticky or hard candies are bad for teeth as they contain a lot of sugar. Sticky candies can make it harder to brush off, and they can easily become wedged in between teeth. In contrast, hard candies are bad because they can cause a cracked tooth. Candies, in general, should be avoided as they don’t provide much nutritional value. They are also more likely to remain in your mouth for longer, meaning the bacteria will have more sugars to feed on.
These are just some foods that are bad for your teeth and gums. When taken in moderation, these foods are perfectly fine, but you should be mindful of them and properly brush them afterward. The build-up of plaque on teeth mainly causes gum disease. Left untreated can lead to cavities, gum recession, and other dental problems. The best way to protect your teeth if you do have a build-up of plaque and tartar is to come in for in-house teeth cleaning at your local dental clinic. This keeps your teeth healthy and lets your dentist look for signs of other dental problems. In more severe cases, a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) may be a more thorough procedure since it removes plaque and tartar below the gum line. Patients should schedule their routine check-ups once every six months and do their part in keeping their teeth healthy.
Concord Dental Associates is your local dentist in Concord, NH, committed to providing patients with the dental care they need. When you need a reliable dentist for quality treatments, look no further and book an appointment with Concord Dental Associates.