Healthy teeth are as important as a healthy body. Oral health majorly depends on what food you eat. These foods can be very beneficial for the rest of your body, but they contain some compounds that lead to cavities, tooth decay, and other issues like plaque. Do not eat an excess of these foods.
Oral health also depends on your oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day, regular dental checkups, cleaning through floss, etc. To ensure oral wellbeing, eating a balanced diet as well as practicing oral hygienic habits is necessary.
Candy
It may not be surprising that candy is one of the culprits of foods that cause tooth decay. When you eat sweets, the sugar sticks to your teeth and binds to the bacteria in the plaque, causing tooth decay. This implies the same with other sugary foods like jams, fruits, soda, cereals, and alcohol. Packed fruit juice cans also contain a lot of acid and sugar. Whether you eat sweets or use throat lozenges to fight a persistent cough, you need to brush your teeth after eating these foods.
Acidic Fruit And Vegetables
Some foods that are harmful to teeth are healthy choices for the body. For example, although citrus fruits are usually rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, they contain high acid. Acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums and mouth, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Foods such as coffee, grapefruit, pickles, lemons, and oranges result in wear down of teeth, increased sensitivity, and tooth decay. High consumption of these foods can lead to discoloration or can erode tooth enamel or weaken them. To reduce the effects of citric acid on your teeth, combine these foods with full meals or consume them with other neutral foods.
Starches
Pasta, potato chips, and white bread bring water to the mouth, but these are not good for your oral health. Starch is a form of refined carbohydrate. It quickly breaks down into sugar when it comes in contact with saliva resulting in cavities. In addition, when these foods meet the enzymes mentioned above, they tend to stick and attach between your teeth. So always consume them with a full meal as other food would decrease the stickiness of these foods.
Hard Foods
Foods that require additional chewing often damage teeth as well. It may be exciting and tempting to eat unpopped corn kernels at the end of a popcorn bag or ice cubes in the bottom of a glass. Hard foods can break your teeth. This also applies to healthy foods like corn on the cob or fresh carrots. People with sensitive teeth should go for diced carrots or corn off the cob.
Soft Drinks/Alcohol
Soft drinks contain acid, whether they claim to be sugar-free or not. As a result, they can damage teeth and lead to tooth erosion and increased cavities. Avoid consuming soft drinks and soda to help keep your teeth healthy. Unsweetened tea or water are good alternatives. Also, remember to avoid brushing your teeth immediately afterward by consuming soft drinks, as the acid in it softens the structure of your teeth, making them more susceptible to abrasion.
Chewy Foods
These kinds of food have a high content of sugar, making them dangerous for your teeth. Food particles stick longer to your teeth, and as you chew them longer than other food makes the sugar stays longer on your teeth. As a result, it promotes more bacteria that cause cavities. In addition, chewy foods, such as caramel, taffy, and even some dried fruit, create a treat for bacteria, aiding and allowing them to multiply, which results in causing severe damage to your mouth.
Bottom Line
A smile is the most beautiful ornament one can wear. So it is essential to consume foods that are healthy for your teeth and not only for your body. A daily oral health care routine and regular dentist visits and cleanings can make your teeth strong, healthy, and white. Do not eliminate these foods as these are necessary for a balanced diet.
