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While it gets a little sticky generalizing some foods as “good” and some foods as “bad,” there are foods that can be either good or bad for your teeth. Troy Bartels, DDS has put together a list of some of the worst foods out there for your dental health so you can consider how you consume them and still protect your smile.
- Candy
- Soda
- Citrus
- Alcohol
- Potato Chips
Candy was probably your first thought when we mentioned the worst foods for your teeth. And yes, it’s true. Candy is full of sugar, and eating too much of it can increase your chances of developing cavities. On top of that, chewy sour candies stick to your teeth, which means there’s even more time for decay to develop. Then, with hard candies, you run the risk of chipping or breaking your teeth.
Soda is similar to candy in that it exposes your teeth to a high amount of sugar. As you slurp down your carbonated beverage, that sugary, acidic liquid can damage your enamel. If you can’t cut out soda completely from your life, at least try to drink it in moderation, swapping it out with water as much as possible. You should also try to rinse your mouth with water after drinking soda.
Just because citrus is a fruit doesn’t make it the best for your dental health. Citrus also happens to be quite acidic, which can wear down your enamel. Not only does enamel not grow back, but without it, your teeth are more vulnerable to decay. So watch how much lemon you squeeze into your water and be sure to rinse your mouth with water after drinking lemonade or orange juice.
Alcohol is another beverage that is detrimental to your oral health. It can actually dry out your mouth, which is harmful because saliva is crucial to preserving the health of our teeth. Without proper saliva flow, there is an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Aside from that, dry mouth can also lead to bad breath.
It might seem like all of your favorite treats are getting a bad rap. Sad, but true. Potato chips aren’t great for your teeth either. They’re filled with starch and that starch becomes sugar. Chips can also easily get stuck in between your teeth, giving them even more time to damage on your teeth.
Dental Tips From Jonesboro, AR
We understand that knowing something is bad for us isn’t always enough of a reason to compel us to remove it from our diet. Regular preventive care is especially important if you have a hard time staying away from some of the foods listed above that are bad for your teeth. At Troy Bartels, DDS, we have a team of experienced dental professionals who would be happy to give you additional tips during your preventive care visit. If you’d like more information about how nutrition and oral health intertwine, we invite you to contact our Jonesboro dental office. Just send us an email or call our practice directly!
