Worst Foods For Oral Health

Eating healthy foods is good for your overall health. That includes your oral health as well. However, eating the wrong foods can cause harm to your teeth.Here are some foods to avoid to maintain good oral health.

• Sweets

Dental researchers have found that patients who eat a large amount of sugar have an increased likelihood of experiencing severe cavities, and patients with both diabetes and gum disease have a higher risk of early tooth loss and other serious complications. Bacteria in the mouth break down sugars into acids that attack tooth enamel, which can result in decay over time. The more sugar you eat, the more plaque will accumulate on your teeth, and the more harmful those acids will be to your dental health.

• Chips and nuts

As crunchy snacks, chips and nuts have hard shells that can be difficult to clean off of your teeth. This increases your risk for plaque and tartar buildup. And their high carb content can negatively impact your oral health in other ways as well. For example, consuming too many carbohydrates can cause cavities to form more quickly. It can also increase your risk of gum disease since more bacteria will stick to your gums and cause inflammation.

• Soda

Soft drinks are some of the worst foods for oral health, as they contain a high amount of sugar and acid. The sugar feeds the bacteria in the mouth, which causes plaque and tooth decay. Colas contain citric or phosphoric acid, both of which wear away tooth enamel over time. Frequent soda consumption also increases the risk of tooth loss due to weakened enamel. 

• Sticky Candy

Chewy candies are some of the worst foods for oral health, as they stick to the teeth and keep sugar in contact with enamel for a long time. Gummy candies, like taffy and gummy bears, are especially bad because they take longer to dissolve. Hard candies are even tougher on teeth because the sugars become more concentrated in them.

It is best to limit eating candy to only a few times per week, or if possible, avoid it altogether. Sugarless gum and hard candies are better options than sticky candies but are still putting unnecessary strain on your teeth.

• Starchy Foods

Starchy foods contain carbohydrates, and your body breaks down carbs into simple sugars. When these sugars aren't used immediately by the body, bacteria in plaque feed on them and produce acids that wear down tooth enamel, leading to decay. Some examples of starchy foods are white bread, potato chips, pretzels, crackers, and more. If you must eat these foods, try to eat them with a meal instead of on their own. This can help reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the damaging effects of starch and sugars.

• Sports Drinks

Sports drinks and energy drinks aren't the best options for oral health because of the sugar content in the drink combined with the beverage's acidity. This combination can erode your enamel and cause tooth decay and cavities. Plus, the acid in these beverages can also damage the soft tissues of your mouth. This can cause mouth sores or even increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Opt for water instead when hydrating your body. Water is always the best choice to keep your mouth healthy and cavity-free!

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