Our teeth are made to last a lifetime, yet there are many reasons why our oral health can begin to decline. One of the main contributors to the wearing down of our teeth are the foods and drinks we consume on a regular basis. While it is best to avoid most of these products, a few can be eaten in moderation and there are certain ways to keep them from causing harm to your teeth. Oral health starts at home, which is why Dr. Kennedy and his team at Turnagain Dental focus on preventative care.
Foods to Avoid for Better Oral Health
Soda and sports drinks – Everyone knows that most sodas are full of sugar, but so are most of the sports drinks we are told are good for us. Drinking these products regularly can be causing major damage to your teeth. When the sugar mixes with acid and bacteria in your mouth it creates plaque, which, if not removed daily can start to eat away at the enamel of your teeth. If you are going to consume these products, it is best to use a straw so they have less contact with your teeth.
Citrus – Many citrusy fruits are delicious, and seem like a healthy option, yet they contain two of the three things needed to produce tooth decaying plaque: acid and sugar. The juice forms of these fruits such as orange and grapefruit juice are even worse since most have even more added sugar. If you are going to eat citrus fruits, brush your teeth right after and drink lots of water to keep the sugar and acid from sticking to your teeth.
Ice – It is best to avoid chewing on anything hard, but chewing ice is common and extremely bad for your teeth. Prolonged chewing of ice can cause teeth to crack or chip, making you more prone to tooth decay and wearing down your smile.
Wine and coffee – Most people know that wine and coffee love to stain and discolor our smiles, yet they can be harmful in other ways as well. Wine is also acidic and can cause damage to your enamel. Coffee doesn’t do much harm besides staining if you drink it black, but when sugar is added, it can also have some negative effect on the health of your teeth as well.
Poor Diet and Your Smile
Even with good oral hygiene, a poor diet can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. It can be difficult to determine which foods and drinks are the worst for your oral health, but your dentist can help you know which are the most harmful. If you live in the Anchorage, AK area and would like more information on what foods to avoid, please contact our office today!