Since you are reading this article, you certainly know how important your oral health is for your general well-being. You are also aware of the importance of diet for dental health. It seems the saying „You are what you eat” is just as true when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums. We have largely discussed the best foods for healthy teeth and gums in another article. Now, it's time to see which foods in your diet could put your oral health at risk.
Of course, most of us will never be able to eat a strictly 100% diet and cut out all „dangerous” foods and drinks, but it is good to know how they affect our dental health and how we can minimise the potential risks.
What you eat matters
While sugary sweets may seem harmless, eating too many and constantly exposing your teeth to the sugar they contain can be detrimental. Hard candies also put teeth at risk, as, in addition to being full of sugar, they can also trigger a dental emergency, such as a broken or chipped tooth. A better alternative? Sugar-free chewing gum. .
2. Ice is for chilling, not chewing
You'd be surprised by how many people believe ice is good for their teeth. It's made of water, after all, and contains no sugar or other additives. However, chewing on hard substances can leave teeth vulnerable to an emergency situation and simultaneously damage tooth enamel. Recommendation: break this habit and enjoy water in its liquid form.
3. Be mindful of your citrus fruit intake
The truth is frequent exposure to acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So, even if you enjoy squeezing a lemon or lime into a glass of water and enjoying that drink, it's not always the best choice for your mouth. Citrus fruits and citrus juices can irritate and cause sores in the mouth. Make sure you drink plenty of plain water after consuming citrus.
Not all coffee is good for you
In their natural form, coffee and tea can be suitable choices for healthy drinks. Unfortunately, too many people cannot resist adding sugar. Also, if you frequently drink coffee and tea, these drinks can stain your teeth. If you cannot avoid consuming them, make sure to drink plenty of water and try to keep additions to a minimum.
5. Sticky foods are your mouth's worst nightmare
When it comes to choosing a healthy snack, many people put dried fruits at the top of their list. Unfortunately, many dried fruits are sticky. Sticky foods can damage teeth, as they tend to remain on teeth for longer than other types of food. If you like dried fruits, after consuming them, rinse your mouth with plenty of water, brush your teeth carefully, and use dental floss.
6. Beware of foods you tend to eat on the go„
Who doesn't love to satisfy their hunger with a potato crisp or a snack when they're „on the go”? Unfortunately, potato crisps are full of starch, which tends to stick to your teeth. If you choose to indulge in such snacks, like these, be very careful and use dental floss to remove all food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.
7. Substitute fizzy drinks with water
When you eat sweet foods or drink sweet drinks for long periods of time, plaque uses the sugar to produce acids that attack the enamel, the hard outer surface of your teeth. Most fizzy soft drinks, including soda and diet drinks, are acidic and therefore are harmful to your teeth. If you have consumed soft drinks, try to drink a glass of water afterwards.
8. Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. People who drink excessively may notice that their saliva flow reduces over time, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections, such as gum disease. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk of mouth cancer.
9. Beware of sports drinks
Sun is healthy, but sugar is a top ingredient for many energy drinks and sports drinks. The American Academy of Pediatrics says sports drinks can be helpful for young athletes undertaking prolonged, vigorous physical activity, but are unnecessary in most cases. Before taking a sip, check the label to ensure the drink you choose is low in sugar, or opt for water.
Food is made to keep you healthy and happy.
Besides supplying you with energy, food products are meant to make you healthy and happy. It is not necessary to stress too much about what you eat as long as you follow some basic principles that will help your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Bibliography
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/9-foods-that-damage-your-teeth