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Many people think that oral health simply means brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. While these are important aspects of good oral health, they don’t provide a full picture of your oral health. It is also important to follow a healthy diet habit and avoid certain foods and beverages that can harm our oral health. Here is a list of foods and beverages that can affect our oral health:

• Hard Candy

Hard candies, lollipops, and other treats that require a lot of chewing are bad news for your dental health. Chewing on these hard treats puts strain on your dental enamel, which can lead to chips and cracks. Additionally, these sugary candies and sticky snacks stay in your mouth longer, which increases your risk for tooth decay.

• Citrus Fruits

Grapefruit, lemon, and oranges are delicious, nutritious citrus fruits, but they’re also damaging to your teeth. The acid in these fruits is harsh and can erode the protective enamel on your teeth. Over time, this can cause tooth decay. You can still enjoy citrus fruits but do so in moderation. Try pairing your citrus with other foods that don’t contain acids, such as cheese or milk.

• Sports Drinks

Sports drinks and energy drinks should be avoided because of their high sugar and acid content. The sugar and acid in sports drinks can lead to cavities and tooth erosion. These drinks also increase your risk of tooth decay and enamel damage.

• Sugary and Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can cause plaque buildup and tooth decay. Foods like gummy candies, caramel, gum, taffy, taffy, jelly beans, and raisins stick to the teeth. They stay on the teeth for a long time, so they aren’t easily washed away by saliva. Plaque, bacteria, and acids come together to create cavities. So, avoid sticky foods when possible. When you do eat them, make sure to brush your teeth soon after.

• Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages like beer and cocktails are some of the worst foods for oral health. Have you recently noticed white spots on your teeth? Wine, wine coolers, and beer can cause tooth enamel to wear down. The sugary, acidic content of these beverages can also increase your risk of tooth decay.

Alcohol also dries out your mouth, which is bad for your oral health. Saliva is a natural defense against tooth decay. It washes away food particles, neutralizes acids, and heals minor mouth irritations. When your mouth is dry, it is harder for saliva to do its job.

• Coffee and Tea

The main culprit in dental staining is tannins. Tannins are non-toxic plant polyphenols that are found in a variety of plants, including fruits and vegetables. Tannins are also found in tea.

These tannins bind to tooth enamel and cause them to stain. This staining can be reversed with professional teeth whitening services, but it is easier to prevent the staining in the first place. So, limit the intake of coffee and tea. 

• Tobacco Products

Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff, can contribute to many oral and overall health problems. These products increase the risk of oral cancer, which is one of the highest rates of cancer among both men and women. Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, sinuses, throat, and all areas of the mouth. Tobacco products can also irritate the gums and cause them to recede, leading to the development of gum disease. In addition, tobacco products contribute to tooth staining and tooth discoloration.

• Ice and Other Chewy Foods

Chewing on very hard foods like ice can lead to chipped or broken teeth. In addition, these chewy foods can cause broken brackets and wires on braces.

Schedule an appointment with Silver Firs Dental to have a consultation with our dentist. We are at 13209 44th Ave SE #201, Mill Creek, WA 98012. Contact us at (425) 225-5757 or visit our website to book an appointment.