If you eat a healthy diet, you are more likely to have healthier teeth. Eating the right foods, in addition to keeping your teeth and gums clean, can help you maintain healthy, strong teeth. However, there are some foods and beverages that can damage your oral health. Here are some of them. 

Hard candy

Hard candy is bad for your oral health because it’s high in sugar content and can stick to your teeth for long periods of time, increasing the chances of tooth decay. In addition, while the sticky texture of candies may seem innocuous, it can actually increase your risk of experiencing gum disease by causing plaque buildup on and in between teeth.

Soft drinks

Soft drinks are some of the worst things you can consume for your oral health. This beverage is not only high in sugar but also contains phosphoric and citric acids. Phosphoric acid will soften your tooth enamel which will increase the likelihood of developing cavities. Citric acid will erode your enamel as well. Consumption of soft drinks will stain your teeth, giving your smile an undesirable yellow appearance. In addition to the staining effects, sodas are also highly acidic, which will wear away at the protective surface of your teeth. This can lead to the development of cavities as well as sensitivity issues and common tooth erosion. It is best to avoid this harmful drink as much as possible. However, if you do enjoy an occasional carbonated beverage, it is best to rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth as soon as possible after consuming it.

Coffee and tea

Both coffee and tea contain caffeine which stains the teeth and causes dry mouth. Even if your teeth look clean after consuming coffee or tea, the enamel will be temporarily softened, making it easier for bacteria and plaque to develop in the crevices of the teeth. The continued exposure of tea or coffee to the mouth also causes demineralization of the tooth structure leading to tooth decay. Drinking either beverage through a straw will help limit exposure to teeth. Also, when drinking coffee or tea, it is beneficial to drink a glass of water with it in order to flush out the sugars from the mouth.

Wine

Consuming a glass of wine with dinner or a few cocktails with friends on the weekend might not seem like a big deal, but drinking too much alcohol can wreak havoc on your oral health. It causes dry mouth because it reduces saliva production, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Additionally, many alcoholic drinks are also very acidic, which weakens enamel and causes discoloration of your teeth.

If you do drink alcoholic beverages, make sure to drink water and/or chew sugar-free gum afterward to rehydrate your mouth and promote saliva flow. If you feel that you may be suffering from alcoholism, seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

Sports drinks

The acidity in sports drinks can erode tooth enamel quickly. What’s worse is that sports drinks are full of sugar, so they’re a double threat to your teeth. If you do choose to drink a sports drink, rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking to wash away the acid and sugar.

Citrus fruits and juices

The acid found in citrus fruits and juices can harm tooth enamel, which protects teeth from decay by forming a protective layer over the surface of the tooth. When the enamel is worn away, teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. Drinking water after consuming citrus can help rinse away the acids and protect your teeth.

Dried fruits

Fruits are an important part of a healthy diet; however, dried fruits are not as healthy a choice because they have a much higher sugar content than fresh fruit. The drying process concentrates sugars in the fruit, which turns into simple carbs that ferments and becomes sticky plaque on the teeth. In addition, bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids in the mouth causing tooth erosion. Limit your intake to just a few pieces for an occasional treat. If you do want to have some, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash afterward to help wash away the sugars.

Call Alta View Dental in Sandy, UT, 84094, at (801) 572-4261 to know more about our dental treatments. Our team will work with you and create a customized plan to meet your individual needs.