A set dental routine is vital when wanting to keep your natural teeth pearly white and smelling fresh. There are several foods and beverages in our diets that cause severe damage to our smile. Some of these damages include gum disease and tooth decay. The sugar from sweet and sticky snacks or meals essentially feeds the bacteria in our mouth, causing them to release acids that attack our enamel. If the enamel is broken down over time, cavities are sure to develop.
Of course, we never eat clean at all times, but it is important to know which foods and beverages to limit so you can avoid tooth decay and other damages. We’ve created a list of foods and beverages to steer away from in order to maintain a healthy smile.
Alcohol
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause dehydration and dry mouth. This hinders the production of saliva that prevents food from sticking to your teeth. A consistently dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections like gum disease. Additionally, sweetened cocktails have the added danger of bathing your teeth in sugar for a long time.
Sour Candies
There’s no doubt that candy is one of the biggest culprits for cavities and tooth decay. Sour candies should especially be avoided due to the different kinds of acids in them that are tough on your enamel. Sour candies tend to be on the stickier side, causing them to stay on your teeth for an extended amount of time.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are considered to be a healthy alternative. However, most dried fruits are extremely sticky and can damage your teeth. The sweet and sticky substance tends to stay on your teeth longer than other types of food, causing more tooth decay.
Potato Chips
We all crave the satisfying crunch of a potato chip. Potato chips contain large amounts of starch, which tends to get trapped in between your teeth, feeding the bacteria in your mouth and causing plaque build-up. Avoiding potato chips can also reduce dental emergencies such as a chipped tooth, lost fillings, or gum injuries.
White Bread
Chewing bread transforms it into a gummy substance that sticks to the crevices in your teeth. Your saliva breaks down the starches in white bread and turns it into sugar. The bacteria in your mouth feed on these sugars and produces more acids that can cause tooth decay.
Schedule a regular dental checkup with Newbury Dental to avoid tooth decay.
Avoiding sweet foods and acidic beverages can improve your oral health, but remember to schedule a regular dental check-up so you can maintain that beautiful smile. Please contact us at (805) 410-1532 or sam.newburydentalgroup@gmail.com to set up an appointment with Dr. Peyman or Dr. Sam at our office in Newbury Park or Thousand Oaks.