6 Types Of Foods That Can Harm Your Teeth
Posted on: 18 June 2015
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Most people know that brushing and flossing regularly combined with semi-annual visits to the dentist are essential to good dental health and to keeping your teeth from decaying. However, were you aware that the food choices you make can also affect your dental health? You might be surprised. It's not just the sugary treats that can be harmful to your teeth. Below are six foods to avoid for good dental health.
1. Hard candy. It's a recognized fact that sugar is bad for your teeth. However, combining concentrated sugar with a hard surface not only can lead to tooth decay, but biting down on the hard candy can also chip your teeth. Such candies, mints and lollipops are a double threat.
2. Ice and other crunchy foods. Eating ice should be avoided for the same reason as hard candy. It's fine to use ice to chill your drinks, but do not bite down on it, as chewing ice can chip your teeth. And, it's not just hard candy and ice you should beware of. Apples and carrots are two of the leading causes of cracked teeth, according to "Prevention" magazine. Dentists advise cutting such foods into bite-size pieces before indulging.
3. Acidic foods. Foods with a high acid content can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them look dull and leading to decay. Such foods include tomatoes, lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit.
4. Sticky foods. Foods that adhere to your teeth, such as caramels, taffy, cotton candy and even dried fruit can be difficult to remove and can stay on your teeth longer than they should, promoting decay and weakening the enamel. If you have filling, these types of foods can also cause those parts of your teeth to come loose.
5. Alcohol. In addition to the sugar content in many alcoholic beverages, drinking beer, wine or cocktails on a regular basis can be dehydrating. This reduces the amount of saliva your body produces, increasing the risk of tooth decay and oral infections.
6. Popcorn and potato chips. These two favorite American snack foods are also troublesome to your teeth. Crunchy foods like these can get wedged between your teeth and start causing decay before you're even aware of the particles.
While there's no guarantee that you'll have perfect teeth if you avoid hard candy, sticky foods, acidic foods and alcohol, eating these types of foods sparingly will help you avoid decay, gum disease and other dental issues. For more information, contact a dentist at Family Dental Center TriCities, PC.