Blog

Do the food we eat affect our oral health? Yes. Some in a good way and some others badly. And the list of foods to avoid for oral health is longer than the list of foods good for your oral health. Listed below are the worst foods for your oral health.

• Sugary Drinks

Drinking water throughout the day also helps to wash away bacteria and sugar that may be left behind after you eat. Water can also help stimulate saliva production, which helps keep your mouth clean as well. Hydration is important for overall health, including your teeth and gums.

• Acidic Foods

There are many foods and drinks that are highly acidic, and they can lead to oral health problems if you’re not careful with your diet. Some common ones to avoid include citrus fruits, tomatoes, lemons and limes, and more. These foods are known to cause enamel erosion, which is when the protective enamel on your teeth starts to wear down. This can lead to more sensitive teeth and cavities over time. So, if you enjoy drinking orange juice or lemonade on a daily basis, consider cutting back!

• Sticky Foods

Eating sticky foods can make it more difficult for saliva to wash away bacteria and food particles left in your mouth after eating. Avoid foods like caramel, jelly, dried fruit, and gummy candies that stick to your teeth for long periods of time and encourage bacteria to flourish on your teeth.

• Dried Fruit

Some dried fruits, such as raisins and prunes, contain a lot of sugar, which feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria are able to thrive in your mouth, they can cause tooth decay. Furthermore, some dried fruits contain acids that can erode the enamel of your teeth. Keep your teeth and gums healthy by avoiding any food that is bad for your oral health.

• Sweets

Candy, cookies, and other sugary treats are some of the worst foods for oral health. Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth, promoting tooth decay and cavities. If you do want to indulge in something sweet, limit your intake and be sure to brush and floss your teeth as soon as you can afterward to remove any leftover debris and bacteria. This can help to protect your oral health by preventing any complications that may be caused by consuming those types of foods.

• Soda

Carbonated drinks erode the tooth enamel and make your smile more susceptible to decay. If you must drink soda, try to drink it through a straw to shield your teeth from the acids in the beverage. Water is a better alternative as it helps to rinse away food particles and acids that are left behind after a meal. By rinsing with water afterward, you help to prevent the formation of harmful plaque.

Visit Jeanne V. Devi DDS at 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, CA 91101 for the best dental care, or call us at (626) 795-2544 to book an appointment.