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Good nutrition is essential for a healthy mouth and body. But, there are several foods that can harm your teeth and should be avoided. Listed below are some of the foods that can harm your oral health.

Sugary Foods

Sticky candies like gummy bears or caramels are the worst foods for oral health. These sweets stick to the teeth and promote tooth decay. The sugar provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive within the mouth. This acid then causes damage to the tooth enamel while feeding the bacteria that are naturally present in the mouth. This can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease.

Hard Candy

Most of us have enjoyed the occasional treat of a hard piece of candy. Many of these candies contain large amounts of sugar or sugar substitutes that adhere to the teeth for a long period of time. Since these candies do not break down easily in the mouth, they can cause tooth decay if they are consumed in excess. Sticky candies can also cause damage to the tooth enamel. Another risk associated with consuming candies is the consumption of a sticky substance like caramel which can lodge in the crevices of the teeth and lead to the development of cavities.

The best way to avoid these risks is to avoid eating any sticky candy, including caramels or toffees. Additionally, limiting our intake of all sweets can help to maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime!

Soft Drinks

Most soft drinks contain high quantities of sugar, which may lead to a number of negative side effects, including tooth decay and gum disease. Soda is also acidic and can erode the enamel on your teeth. Sports drinks are another common beverage to avoid because they tend to be high in sugar and are highly acidic in nature. These drinks can also cause tooth erosion and lead to the development of cavities. Acidic drinks like citrus juices and sports drinks can also erode the enamel of your teeth and are some of the worst foods for oral health, causing tooth sensitivity. These drinks are also high in acid content which causes erosion of the tooth’s enamel over time, resulting in sensitivity or pain.

Coffee and Tea

Both coffee and tea contain caffeine, which stains teeth as plaque builds up on the enamel. The tannins in tea also cause tooth discoloration, which is why black teas tend to discolor the teeth more than green or white teas. Additionally, both drinks are high in acid content which can cause erosion of the tooth’s enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and pain.

Wine

A few glasses of wine each night may do more than just relax you. Studies have shown that red wine can actually provide a number of health benefits. However, excessive alcohol use – whether it’s beer, cocktails, or wine – can have negative consequences for your oral health. The acidic nature of alcohol can erode enamel and create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive in your mouth. Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Your dentist will be able to screen you for oral cancer if you visit every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. If you are a heavy drinker, your dentist may recommend that you come in more frequently than usual in order to reduce your risk for oral cancer and other oral health problems.

Citrus Fruits and Juices

“Citrus” is a general term used to describe any plant that belongs to the family Rutaceae. This means that lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangelos, pomelos, tangerines, and mandarins are all members of the citrus family. 

While citrus fruits have many benefits, they are high in acid content and can be damaging to teeth if consumed in excess. This is because citric acid is commonly found in many popular brands of soft drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay over time. Additionally, drinking lemon or lime juice with a small amount of added sugar can be damaging to teeth as well because sugar feeds oral bacteria. This is why it is best to avoid enjoying citrus fruits in their raw form alongside sugary beverages.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are full of sugar. They are extremely high in fructose which turns into a sticky type of plaque on your teeth known as a bacterial biofilm. Bacterial biofilms are what cause cavities because bacteria eat sugar and excrete acid, which breaks down tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. So if you must indulge in dried fruit, make sure to brush and floss immediately after eating them to take out the sugars that are left stuck to your teeth.

We encourage you to discover ways to achieve a healthy smile. For comprehensive dental care, visit Dawkins Family Dental at 440 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks on how to keep your teeth healthy, call us at (662) 234-5725 for an appointment.