WORST FOODS FOR ORAL HEALTH

When it comes to oral and dental health, some foods might surprise you. Many foods, which seem healthy, actually cause more harm than good. Here are some of the worst foods for your oral health.

• Sticky foods

Candy and other sticky treats, like caramel or gummies, should be avoided as much as possible. These foods are often chewy and sticky, which can dislodge your brackets and wires. Even hard candies can crack your teeth or cause cavities!

Hard candies can also damage the enamel on your teeth, which can result in tooth decay. If you really must indulge, be sure to brush your teeth after you’ve finished eating to get rid of any leftover residue. Brushing your teeth after eating will help eliminate harmful acids that can harm your teeth. 

• Sugary foods and drinks

While sugar itself is not a cause of tooth decay, it does feed the harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks are full of simple sugars and should be consumed in moderation. Snacking also causes more cavities than meals or sipping water throughout the day. Healthy sugar-free snack options include nuts, seeds, vegetables such as carrots and celery, and cheese. Drinking plenty of water can also wash away bacteria-causing food particles and keep your mouth hydrated. Water with fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

• Soda

Soda is another drink that is bad for your teeth. The sugar in soda, as with candy and cookies, can contribute to tooth decay. However, two other factors also come into play when it comes to soda’s effect on oral health: carbonation and acidity.Carbonation can erode tooth enamel, while the acid found in soda can also weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities by negatively affecting the oral microbiome. For this reason, it’s best to limit your intake of sugary sodas and other beverages as much as possible. Water is the healthiest beverage for teeth, but unsweetened tea is also a good choice. 

• Acidic foods

Acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums, causing pain and inflammation. This can cause bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. The best food choices are those that are low in acids. These would be vegetables, fruits, dairy products, lean meats, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, eggs, and fish. Many of these foods are healthy for your body as well! 

Ken Caryl Dentistry offers the best dental services to maintain your healthy smile. For more details, call us at (303) 973-5280 or visit The Courtyards at Deer Creek 7631 Shaffer Pkwy Suite B, Littleton, CO 80127.