Worst Foods For Oral Health

The food we eat has a major impact on our oral health. Some foods can cause damage to our oral health, while others can improve it. Here are some foods that can harm our oral health.

• Sugary foods

Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars that we eat, causing plaque buildup and tooth decay. Unfortunately, many of our favorite sugary foods are extremely common in our diets, making it difficult to avoid them completely. Here are a few of the worst offenders.

• Chips and crackers
• Candy bars
• Cookies
• Energy drinks
• Fruit snacks
• Granola bars
• Soft drinks
• Sweet tea
• Sports drinks
• Yogurts

Most of us need to cut down on our sugar intake just to maintain good oral health, but even people who brush twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash can benefit from making a few dietary changes. Limiting your intake of these sweet foods can make a huge difference when it comes to your oral health!

• Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can be fun every once in a while, but if it’s part of your daily diet, it could do some serious harm to your teeth and gums. Here are some things to know about how alcohol can affect your oral health:

• The sugar found in alcoholic drinks can cause cavities and tooth decay. It can also weaken the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to damage if left untreated.
• Drinking too much alcohol can lead to a condition called xerostomia or dry mouth. This can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of gum disease. It can also make existing treatments like mouth rinses and toothpaste less effective.
• Because alcohol is a diuretic, it can cause dehydration and dry mouth. Dehydration can dry out your mouth and make it more susceptible to bacteria, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Alcohol can temporarily inhibit the proper function of your body’s natural saliva production. This can cause tissues in your mouth to become dry and irritated, leading to sores, painful bleeding gums, and an increased risk for periodontal disease.

If you’re concerned about the effects of alcohol on your dental health, your dentist can help you come up with a plan for fighting back against alcohol-related oral health issues.

• Tobacco products

Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and other tobacco products are bad for your oral and overall health, as well as the health of those around you. If you use tobacco in any form, consider quitting now to avoid serious health consequences in the future. Cigarette smoke contains more than 70 different chemicals, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and arsenic. This can cause bad breath and stained teeth, not to mention the increase of your risk of oral cancer and gum disease. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to suffer from periodontal disease as non-smokers. If you are a smoker, ask your dentist about ways you can quit or cut down to reduce your risk of these conditions.

• Sugary sodas

While soda tastes sweet, it’s anything but good for your teeth. The acids in soda eat away at your pearly whites and can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and permanent stains. Opt for water instead to keep your smile healthy and bright!

The sugar content in soda also feeds oral bacteria and encourages plaque buildup. What’s more, sipping on sugary drinks all day long can even lead to diabetes and other serious health problems. Water is always the best choice for healthy teeth!

• Dried fruit

Sometimes, dried fruits can be a healthy snack for your teeth! But, this is only true if they are eaten in small amounts and with other foods. Otherwise, they can wear down your enamel, cause cavities, and even increase your risk for gum disease. This is because a lot of their sugar content doesn’t dissolve when they’re dried out, so it ends up staying on the surface of your mouth and feeding the bacteria that cause these oral health problems. Instead, try eating fresh fruits. They are much better for you overall, and their water content helps wash the sugar away.

If you are looking for an experienced dentist that can help guide you on oral hygiene, schedule a consultation with our dentists at Eldridge Dental in Houston, Texas. You can reach us at (713) 983-0099 or visit our office at 6370 N. Eldridge Pkwy, Suite B, Houston, TX 77041.