General dentistry professionals are usually concerned about their patient’s nutritional habits. The foods we eat affect the health of the teeth and oral cavity, not just general wellbeing. Some foods are detrimental for the teeth because they contain compounds that aid the development of oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
While some of the foods listed below may be healthy for the body, it is important to control their intake since eating them in high quantities can harm the teeth.
Citrus fruits have high vitamin C content and other nutrients, but taking them and other acidic foods can cause enamel deterioration and gum irritation. Acidic foods like coffee, lemons, pickles, oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries eat away at the teeth, making them vulnerable to cavities and sensitivity. They can also stain the teeth.
The bacteria responsible for tooth decay feast on sugar and produce acid as a byproduct. The acid wears down the tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. The first thing that comes to mind is candies, but that is not all; sugary foods include fruits, jams, soda, alcohol, and fruit juices.
Foods that are tough to chew and require extra force can cause damage to the teeth. From popcorn kernels to the ice in a glass, these hard items can break the teeth. Even obvious healthy foods like carrots or corn may cause trouble for the teeth. It is advisable to dice the carrots or remove the corn from its cob before eating.
Starchy foods like white bread, potatoes, and pasta are refined carbs that break down into sugars when mixed with saliva. These foods also tend to stick and get trapped between the teeth, which could cause issues if they are not cleaned off. It is better to incorporate these foods in a meal, where other foods can prevent them from sticking to the teeth.
Foods that tend to cause mouth dryness can be detrimental to oral health. Saliva is how the body keeps the mouth moist and clean to stop the onset of oral issues. Drinks like coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, and salty foods can cause mouth dryness, leaving the mouth unable to wash off sugars and bacteria. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gums can help improve saliva production. Patients with a condition or use a medication that causes dry mouth need to talk to the general dentistry professional as this can cause problems.
As mentioned earlier, some of these foods are good for the body, despite being bad for the teeth. The rule is to balance your diet to neutralize their effect. A good oral hygiene routine and regular checkup and cleaning in the general dentistry office can help maintain excellent oral health and general wellbeing. To learn more about the healthy and detrimental foods for your teeth, or if you have other oral health concerns, book an appointment with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentistry.com or call Allure Dentistry at (310) 683-5321 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
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