Foods to Avoid for a Healthier Smile

Foods to Avoid for a Healthier Smile

There are many foods that have beneficial effects on your teeth, including those that are rich in calcium. Unfortunately, plenty of foods and beverages have detrimental effects on your oral health. During your next dentist visit, ask your dentist about simple ways to modify your diet to improve your smile. Your dentist will likely advise you to stay away from the following foods:
Certain Types of Beverages
If you have the habit of sipping soda throughout the day, it’s time to consider switching to water instead. Drinking soda continually exposes your teeth to sugars for a prolonged period of time. These sugars feed bacteria in your mouth, which in turn contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. Other sugary beverages include fruit juices and sports drinks. If you find it difficult to give up sugary beverages altogether, use a straw and drink the beverage all at once, rather than sipping it frequently. Sugary beverages aren’t the only ones to limit or avoid for better oral health. Your dentist will likely warn you against excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol dries out your mouth, which increases your risk of gum disease. Alcohol also has a corrosive effect on the soft tissues in your mouth, and increases your risk of oral cancer.
Sticky Foods
Sticky candies, such as caramels, dried fruits, and other sticky foods readily adhere to your teeth. This means that the sugar in those foods is likely to stay on your teeth for a long time, feeding bacteria and contributing to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Instead of dried fruits, choose whole fruits to encourage saliva production, which washes away food particles. Additionally, dentists recommend brushing your teeth promptly after consuming any sticky foods.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods, including citrus fruits and sodas, encourage tooth decay because they weaken the enamel. Consume citrus fruits with a meal or drink water right after eating them. Then, wait about 20 minutes before brushing your teeth to prevent wearing down the enamel.
Contact the Tucson dentistry office of Dr. John Carson, DDS for more information on caring for your smile. We offer preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services. You can reach us at (520) 514-7203 to schedule your next visit.