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Worst Foods For Oral Health

August 16, 2022

Oral Health

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to help your oral health. Certain foods and drinks can make it easier for your teeth and gums to be attacked by bacteria and cause tooth decay and gum disease. On the other hand, some foods can help protect your teeth and help with overall oral health. Here is a list of some foods and drinks that can harm our oral health:

  • Sticky Foods

Sticky foods should be avoided because sticky foods sticking to the teeth can lead to tooth decay. Sticky foods include lollipops, granola bars, chewy candies, sugary snacks, etc. 

  • Starchy Foods

Starchy foods can increase your risk of tooth decay. Starchy foods may break apart easily, exposing their sugary content to bacteria in your mouth. Starchy foods include potato chips, French fries, cakes, cookies, donuts, and bread.

  • Sugary Foods

Sugary foods can cause tooth decay. The sugar combines with bacteria in your mouth to create an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Soda, candy, cookies, and other sugary foods should be avoided whenever possible.

  • Acidic Foods

Many foods can cause sensitivity or erosion of the teeth, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. These foods are highly acidic, which wears down tooth enamel and creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Over time, this can lead to dental decay, cavities, and gum disease.

  • Dry Foods

Dry foods such as chips, crackers, and pretzels can increase your risk of tooth decay. This is because the starches in these foods break down into sugars when exposed to saliva. These sugars can then feed the plaque and bacteria on your teeth, which can contribute to tooth decay.

  • Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, pipes, and other tobacco products all contain nicotine, which irritates the gums and promotes bacterial growth. Cigarette smoke also stains the teeth and causes bad breath. Chewing tobacco contains 28 chemicals that have been shown to cause damage to the gums. It also contains high levels of sugar, which can cause tooth decay. Chewing tobacco is also linked to oral cancer.

  • Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, are acidic and can harm tooth enamel by wearing it down. Over time, enamel erosion can cause tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and decay. Avoid citrus fruits and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after consumption.

Do you have a question? Or do you wish to schedule an appointment with us? Call Dawson Modern Dentistry – Matthews at (704) 565-9512 or visit Dentist in Matthews, NC at 3555-2 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105.

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to help your oral health. Certain foods and drinks can make it easier for your teeth and gums to be attacked by bacteria and cause tooth decay and gum disease. On the other hand, some foods can help protect your teeth and help with overall oral health. Here is a list of some foods and drinks that can harm our oral health:

  • Sticky Foods

Sticky foods should be avoided because sticky foods sticking to the teeth can lead to tooth decay. Sticky foods include lollipops, granola bars, chewy candies, sugary snacks, etc. 

  • Starchy Foods

Starchy foods can increase your risk of tooth decay. Starchy foods may break apart easily, exposing their sugary content to bacteria in your mouth. Starchy foods include potato chips, French fries, cakes, cookies, donuts, and bread.

  • Sugary Foods

Sugary foods can cause tooth decay. The sugar combines with bacteria in your mouth to create an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Soda, candy, cookies, and other sugary foods should be avoided whenever possible.

  • Acidic Foods

Many foods can cause sensitivity or erosion of the teeth, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. These foods are highly acidic, which wears down tooth enamel and creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Over time, this can lead to dental decay, cavities, and gum disease.

  • Dry Foods

Dry foods such as chips, crackers, and pretzels can increase your risk of tooth decay. This is because the starches in these foods break down into sugars when exposed to saliva. These sugars can then feed the plaque and bacteria on your teeth, which can contribute to tooth decay.

  • Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, pipes, and other tobacco products all contain nicotine, which irritates the gums and promotes bacterial growth. Cigarette smoke also stains the teeth and causes bad breath. Chewing tobacco contains 28 chemicals that have been shown to cause damage to the gums. It also contains high levels of sugar, which can cause tooth decay. Chewing tobacco is also linked to oral cancer.

  • Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, are acidic and can harm tooth enamel by wearing it down. Over time, enamel erosion can cause tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and decay. Avoid citrus fruits and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after consumption.

Do you have a question? Or do you wish to schedule an appointment with us? Call Dawson Modern Dentistry – Matthews at (704) 565-9512 or visit Dentist in Matthews, NC at 3555-2 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105.