What Foods Should I Avoid to Help Maintain My Oral Health?

There is so much truth to the statement, “You are what you eat,” especially when it comes to your teeth and gums. Staying informed and mindful about what you put in your mouth will allow for a healthier smile for years to come!

Sugary Snacks

Sugar is a food source for bacteria in the mouth. The more food they have readily available, the faster they will grow and multiply. As they feed on sugar, they produce acids which slowly erode your tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Carbonated Drinks

Sodas are the worst foods for your teeth and for your overall health. The drinks are high in sugar and are very acidic, which in combination, can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Even diet sodas are very harmful to teeth because the acids they contain eat away at the tooth enamel. 

Hard or Crunchy Treats

Foods that are hard or crunchy are dangerous to your teeth. You can easily bite down too hard, causing chips or cracks, or even breaking a tooth. Damaged teeth allow bacteria to enter the inner layer of your teeth, causing further damage and gum disease.

Candies

Candy is incredibly harmful to teeth with the sugary, sticky, or crunchy varieties available. Sticky candies are hard to brush off your teeth, leaving sugar sitting around for bacteria to feast on. One of the leading causes of broken or damaged teeth is biting down on hard candies. 

Starchy Snacks

White bread or potato chips aren’t the best choices for your teeth because your saliva breaks down the starches they contain into sugar. The sticky paste-like substance sticks to the tiny crevices between your teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease. 

 Dried Fruits

While dried fruits may seem healthy, in reality, they are not too kind to your teeth. Dried fruits are sticky, clinging to teeth and their crevices, and supplying bacteria with a lot of sugar. It’s best to choose to snack on fresh fruits instead.

Keep Your Smile Healthy 

Visit us at Avalon Dental Care to learn more about caring for your oral health and minimizing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and more. We are committed to helping you keep your teeth healthy for life. Call us today!