Worst Foods For Oral Health

There are many foods we eat every day. While some are good for oral health, there are others that can harm your teeth. Here is a list of the worst foods for your oral health.

• Sticky and Hard Foods

Sticky and hard foods can easily get stuck in your teeth, where they can remain for hours or even overnight. Bacteria that cause cavities love sugar-rich environments such as these, which is why eating them is such a risk to your oral health. Sugar feeds bacteria that love to feast on food particles stuck in your teeth and gums. This turns your mouth into a playground for harmful bacteria to grow and multiply, which means increased risks for tooth decay and cavities. If you do indulge and eat sticky or hard candies, make sure to thoroughly brush and floss as soon as possible afterward. The longer the food remains in your mouth, the more harm it can do to your health. 

• Sugary Foods

Candies, sticky foods, and other sugary snacks cling to your teeth, providing ample fuel for bad bacteria in your mouth. So, avoid the intake of these foods as possible as you can. After eating these foods, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible. This will help to remove as much of the sugar as possible from the teeth. If you brush or rinse right away, you’ll also help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth as well.

• Hard Candies

While hard candies are delicious, they can also cause serious damage to your teeth. That’s because this type of candy is hard and sticky. These qualities make it very easy for plaque to stick to your teeth. Since plaque is full of bacteria that can erode your enamel and cause cavities, it’s important to avoid this tooth-damaging food whenever possible. If you consume hard candies often, you may want to talk to your dentist about teeth cleanings that will help you maintain strong oral health.

• Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is high in sugar and sticky, both of which can cause tooth decay and cavities. Sticky foods can get trapped between teeth and remain there for a long time after eating. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the higher your risk for cavity formation. Saliva production also slows during sleep, allowing sugary food to sit on teeth longer. This is why it’s imperative to brush and floss before going to bed. (For more on how to care for your oral health while you sleep, read our blog [link].)

• Sugary Beverages

The mouth is home to a thriving community of bacteria, and consuming sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar particles to produce acid that wears away at tooth enamel and causes decay. The more snacks you eat throughout the day, the more opportunity you give your teeth to be exposed to harmful sugars.

If you consume foods and beverages that contain a lot of added sugars, try to drink water or chew sugar-free gum afterward to wash away leftover acids from your teeth. You can also try to limit your consumption of sugary treats and consider brushing your teeth right after eating to decrease your risk of cavities.

Schedule an appointment with Del Mar Family Dental Care and Orthodontics for the most comfortable dental care. Walk into 797 Peoria St. Unit A, Aurora, CO 80011. Contact us at (303) 577-0062 or visit our website to book an appointment with us.