Foods That Are Bad For Our Oral Health

The food we eat affects our overall health, which includes oral health. Consuming sugary foods and beverages, for example, can increase the number of bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay. Cavities can affect more than just your teeth, however. They can have an impact on your ability to eat and speak properly.

When our teeth are consistently exposed to these harmful foods, it can also cause gum disease to develop. The bacteria buildup that comes from eating sugary and acidic foods can cause plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar buildup on teeth can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other more serious health issues. So, if you want to maintain optimal oral health, it is important to avoid the consumption of certain foods that can harm your oral health. Here is a list of a few:

• Sugar

Sugar is a much bigger problem than most people realize. Not only does it feed the bacteria that cause gum disease, but it also increases your risk of tooth decay. This is because sugar is a primary food source for the bacteria that cause cavities. If you are able to lower the amount of sugar you consume, you can not only lower your risk of cavities, but you can also reduce your risk of gum disease too.

• Acidic Foods

Fruit juices and soft drinks are among the worst foods for oral health. They contain high levels of citric acid, which can erode teeth enamel. If you do drink fruit juices or soft drinks, use a straw to limit their contact with your teeth.

• Crunchy Foods

Crunchy things such as potato chips, granola bars, and popcorn are also bad for your teeth. These foods often get stuck in your teeth, increasing the amount of surface area for bacteria to cling to. This increases the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.

• Sticky Foods

Sticky foods such as dried fruits or candies can damage our teeth. The stickiness of these treats can catch on and in between teeth, making them more difficult to clean. Food that gets caught in between teeth can cause cavities to form.

• Fizzy drinks

Carbonated soda and sweet drinks like lemonades and juices erode your tooth enamel. The acid in those drinks can also eat away at your teeth, leading to cavities. If you do drink sweet drinks, make sure to brush your teeth afterward.

• Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol dries out your mouth, which can increase your risk for tooth decay. Additionally, the malt sugars in beer feed the oral bacteria that cause cavities.

To learn more about maintaining good oral health, call Stonegate Family Dentistry at (615) 624-6919 to book an appointment. You can also visit us at 206 A N Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.