When it comes to food, it’s more important to be careful with what we eat than how often we eat it. This is because eating too many acidic foods (like soda or candy) can damage our teeth’s enamel. Enamel is the hard, white layer that covers teeth. If our enamel is damaged, our teeth can become sensitive, discolored, and more likely to decay. Here are the food items that are worst enemies to your oral health:
- Sugar
Foods that contain high amounts of sugar can be harmful to your teeth. For example, candy, cookies, cake, and ice cream can cause tooth decay by sticking to your teeth. Bacteria that grow in your mouth feed on the sugar you eat. These bacteria will produce acid that breaks down the enamel of your teeth. The more often you eat sugary foods, the more often your teeth are exposed to harmful acids.
- Acidic Foods
Acidic foods, such as tomato sauce and citrus, can erode enamel over time. While enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it is only able to withstand a certain amount of acid before it begins to break down.
- Soda
Soda contains high amounts of sugar, which is terrible for your oral health. Our bodies don’t process sugar well, so sugar is constantly damaging our teeth. The sugar turns into plaque, which can then lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Starchy Foods
Starchy foods are harmful to teeth because they get trapped in the tiny pits and grooves in your teeth. They become fuel for oral bacteria that break down your enamel and cause cavities.
- Sticky Foods
Sticky foods, such as dried fruits and caramel, can cling to your teeth. Over time, they can cause decay and other damage to your teeth. Sticky foods can also make it harder for you to clean your teeth when you eat a meal.
- Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are marketed as beverages for athletes and people engaging in vigorous activities. While they are thirst-quenching, they are full of sugar and acid, which erode enamel. Many also contain dyes and artificial sweeteners, both of which are known to wreak havoc on your smile. If you engage in vigorous physical activities, be sure to drink plenty of plain water before, during, and after your workout to quench your thirst.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is bad for your oral health. It causes dry mouth, which leads to tooth decay. Alcohol also triggers the secretion of the hormone cortisol, which increases your risk for gum disease. And, of course, alcohol decreases your inhibitions, so it increases your risk of chewing on things that are bad for your teeth, such as ice or hard candies.
- Coffee
When you’re craving a pick-me-up, coffee can be a great choice. In addition to caffeine, coffee packs a lot of antioxidants. Unfortunately, your teeth pay the price. Coffee is acidic, which can erode your enamel. It can also stain your teeth. While a cup every morning might not be as damaging as drinking it throughout the day, it’s best to avoid your cup of joe between meals. The added acidity can weaken your enamel and invite cavities.
Julita S Patil DDS Inc., located in Concord, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies. To schedule an appointment with the dentist, call the dentist in Concord, CA, at (925) 689-2585 today itself.
