Foods you should avoid to keep your teeth healthy

The reasons for tooth decay are the same, regardless of age. Tooth decay comes about when you have accumulated plaque with harmful bacteria. These organisms feed on the sugar you are consuming in your diet, causing cavities. The bacterium metabolizes sugar and turns it into acid that attacks your tooth structure.

Foods that are damaging for your teeth can lead to plaque and tooth decay. Therefore it becomes vital to learn about foods that you should avoid or limit to keep your teeth as healthy and vibrant as possible. 

Why Is Oral Health Important?

Most people are aware that diet and exercise play a significant role in keeping them healthy and fit. However, they do not realize the importance of a disease-free mouth for a healthy body. Poor oral health can adversely impact your quality of life by affecting your physical, mental, and social well-being. Oral infections and missing teeth can influence how you eat, speak and socialize.

What Foods Should You Avoid For Healthy Teeth?

Certain foods can contribute to oral issues that can affect your overall well-being.

• Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks like soda, cold drinks, preserved juice, and sports and energy drinks can be harmful if you consume them for long durations or very often.

• Chocolates & Candies

Chocolates and candies can also detrimental to our teeth if consumed often and frequently. These delicious treats can stick to the teeth and remain inside the mouth for a long time unless you brush your teeth immediately after consumption. As a result, sugars in our mouth are fermented by the bacteria in dental plaque into acids that dissolve tooth enamel. 

• Alcoholic Drinks 

Alcohol consumption can be dangerous to your dental health. They destroy the soft tissues in the mouth and reduce saliva production in our mouth. Saliva helps to wash away the food particles and safeguards the teeth against acids.

• Citrus Foods

Citrus foods like lemons, tomatoes, and raw mangoes can cause tooth decay, especially when consumed entirely without any other foods. You can eat such foods if you thoroughly rinse your mouth after eating them. This will help reduce the impact of acid and avoid dental problems.

•  Starchy Foods

White bread and potato chips contain high starch, when stuck in your teeth can also bring about acid production by the bacteria in dental plaque. To remove the starch particles, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water if you can't brush just then. 

• Tea and Coffee 

Excessive tea and coffee consumption can also stain and discolor the teeth. They may be avoided in excess to retain your pearly whites at their best.

If you have any questions about your dental health, visit us at Hallmark Dental Group, 335 East St George Blvd #201, Saint George, UT 84770, or call us at 435-310-4812 and schedule an appointment.