Foods That Are Bad For Our Oral Health

The food we eat affects our overall health, which includes oral health. Consuming sugary foods and beverages, for example, can increase the number of bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay. Cavities can affect more than just your teeth, however. They can have an impact on your ability to eat and speak properly.

When our teeth are consistently exposed to these harmful foods, it can also cause gum disease to develop. The bacteria buildup that comes from eating sugary and acidic foods can cause plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar buildup on teeth can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other more serious health issues. So, if you want to maintain optimal oral health, it is important to avoid the consumption of certain foods that can harm your oral health. 

Certain foods can be detrimental to our oral health, contributing to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Here are some foods that are bad for our oral health:

• Sugar

Sugar is a much bigger problem than most people realize. Not only does it feed the bacteria that cause gum disease, but it also increases your risk of tooth decay. This is because sugar is a primary food source for the bacteria that cause cavities. If you are able to lower the amount of sugar you consume, you can not only lower your risk of cavities, but you can also reduce your risk of gum disease too.

• Acidic Foods

 Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and wine, can erode tooth enamel over time, making teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Limiting consumption and rinsing with water after consuming acidic foods can help mitigate their effects on dental health.

• Crunchy Foods

Crunchy things such as potato chips, granola bars, and popcorn are also bad for your teeth. These foods often get stuck in your teeth, increasing the amount of surface area for bacteria to cling to. This increases the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Call us to learn more.

• Sticky Foods

Sticky foods such as dried fruits or candies can damage our teeth. The stickiness of these treats can catch on and in between teeth, making them more difficult to clean. Food that gets caught in between teeth can cause cavities to form.

• Fizzy drinks

Carbonated drinks, including soda, sparkling water, and sports drinks, contain high levels of sugar and acidity, which can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Limit consumption and opt for water or unsweetened beverages instead.

• Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol dries out your mouth, which can increase your risk for tooth decay. Additionally, the malt sugars in beer feed the oral bacteria that cause cavities.

By minimizing consumption of these foods and practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and visiting your dentist in Murfreesboro TN regularly, you can help protect your teeth and gums from damage and maintain optimal oral health.

To learn more about maintaining good oral health, call Stonegate Family Dentistry at (615) 624-6919 to book an appointment. You can also visit the dentist in 37129 at 206 A N Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.