One soda or sugary treat a day doesn’t really seem like that big of a deal, but that daily sugar intake can cause some serious damage to your teeth. When sugar and plaque mix in your mouth, the acid can break down the enamel on your teeth and cause tooth decay. Be aware of what you are eating and drinking on a daily basis. Our dental practice put together some of the worst foods for our teeth to watch out for.
- Sticky Candy – Sticky candy, like taffy or caramels are not only full of sugar and acid, but stick to and in between teeth for a long time giving that sugar more opportunity to rot your teeth. Sticky candies can also stick to fillings and pull them out of your teeth.
- Soda – Soda is one of the most sugary drinks out there. The sugars and acid erode your tooth enamel causing tooth decay or rotted teeth. If you’ve ever seen what Coke can do to a rusty penny, imagine what it can do to your teeth.
- Citrus – Despite citrus fruit’s high vitamin C value, they are also high in acid which can also wear out your tooth enamel. Grapefruits and lemons are especially high in acid that is dangerous for your teeth. Orange juice is not quite as acidic. Regardless, be aware of your citrus intake.
- Hard Candy – Where hard candy doesn’t stick to your teeth like sticky, chewy candy, hard candy is just as bad for your teeth. Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, and lifesavers are full of sugar but also can cause chipped or broken teeth from chewing them.
- Coffee – Coffee is already notorious for leaving those annoying stains on your teeth, but the caffeine in coffee also dries out your mouth, making it easier for bacteria to live and prosper in your mouth. When people add sugar or syrups to their coffee, they increase their risk of tooth decay even more.
- Starchy Snacks – Bread, chips, pretzels, and pasta are all full of starches that get trapped in between your teeth and gums. When you snack on these foods, your saliva breaks down the enzymes, which turn to sugars in your mouth and hang around. Make sure you floss really well after consuming starches.
The best way to keep your smile healthy is by prevention. Practice a good oral health routine every day, brushing and flossing twice a day, and a healthy, well-balanced diet. Make sure you come in to visit our Raleigh or Raleigh dental office twice a year for your routine dental exam and cleaning and enjoy your happy, healthy smile.
Looking for a Dentist is Raleigh?
SilvoyDMD is a general dental practice in Raleigh and Raleigh, NC specializing in advanced dental technology. Call us at 919-386-6900 or request an appointment online.
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