We know that eating foods that are high in sugar are bad for your teeth and contribute to plaque and tooth decay. Foods that are sticky and sugary are the biggest culprits. When foods are sticky they tend to stick onto your teeth longer, which gives the bacteria a greater chance to do damage to your teeth. Acidic foods can also be a bad choice, as the acid can potentially damage tooth enamel. Food and drinks that are sugary and acidic (such as soda), can cause double the harm to your teeth.
The foods listed below are not necessarily bad for your health, but experts recommend that you brush your teeth, floss and rinse your mouth after consuming these food items to help prevent cavities from forming. If you need a dentist in Bulleen, call Bulleen Plaza dental today.
It’s usually not surprising that candy is unhealthy for your mouth. But sour candy contains more and different kinds of acids that are tougher on your teeth. Plus, because they’re chewy, they stick to your teeth for a longer time, so they’re more likely to cause decay. If you crave sweets, grab a square of chocolate instead, which you can chew quickly and wash away easily.
2. SPORTS DRINKS
Sports drinks may seem like a healthier alternative to things like soda and energy drinks. But if you read the nutrition label you’ll find that they have as much — or even more — sugar. Many sports drinks are also flavored with citric acid. This combination increases the likelihood of tooth decay.
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons can be tasty as both fruits and juices, and they have a lot of vitamin C. But their acid content can erode enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Even squeezing a lemon or lime into water adds acid to a drink. Plus, acid from citrus can be bothersome to mouth sores. If you want to get a dose of their antioxidants and vitamins, try to eat and drink them in moderation at mealtime and rinse with water afterward.
The Takeaway:
- Eat your sugary food during meals. You make more saliva then, helping to wash the acid and sugar away from your teeth.
- Limit between meal snacks. If you need to eat rather choose fruit and then afterwards chew some sugarless gum to promote more saliva production.
- Drink more water. After all it washes your mouth clean and some water supplies have added fluoride that helps protect your teeth.
If you think you may have some cavities and need to see a dentist, call Bulleen Plaza dental today on 03 9852 2234.