What
you eat matters. It not only impacts your overall health, but your oral health too.
If
any food is taken out of proportion, that is too less or far too much, then
your dental hygiene will be affected by it.
For example,
too much sugary foods can break down your enamel, the natural protective
covering of your teeth. This will result in hypersensitivity and toothache. On
the other hand, hard candies can cause chipped or cracked teeth, resulting in
an emergency situation. Hence, you should know what is good and bad for your
dental health.
In a
previous blog, we discussed some food items that help boost dental health. Here,
we list items whose intake can be harmful for your teeth.
Citrusy/
acidic food
Citrusy
foods are acidic and their frequent use can erode enamel from your teeth. This
will leave the canals and tubules in inner teeth exposed, fist making them
sensitive to a number of cold and hot items or beverages, and then causing
tooth decay.
Citrus
fruits such as lemon can also irritate mouth sores if you have any. Instead of
going for a lemon squeezed glass of water, just drink plain water.
Coffee
Coffee and tea are healthier choices
than most of the other beverages. But when used too often, they can turn into
the tooth decaying evil.
First,
they can cause dryness in your mouth. Saliva sweeps bacteria and other
particles from your mouth to keep it clean. Less saliva production means less
dental hygiene. Secondly, frequent use can also stain your teeth resulting in a
bad appearance. Lastly, most people like their coffees and teas to be very
sweet. It makes these drinks a high source of sugar which can result in tooth
decay.
If
you are a caffeine lover and cannot think of giving it up, make it a habit of
drinking plenty of water. Also, keep the add-ons as low as possible.
Soda and sports drinks
For
some people, it is almost a reflex to get a soda can with every meal. These
soda cans as well common sports and refreshing drinks are packed with sugar.
When
consumed, this sugar gets left behind for consumption by bacteria. Not only will
these bacteria grow happily over your teeth, they turn the sugar into acid to
gain energy from it. These acids will slowly, but surely, erode your enamel and
destroy your teeth.
Both
carbonated and caffeinated beverages, including the diet soda, are extremely
harmful for your teeth. Instead choose a glass of plain water to go with your
drink.
Crunchy food
Who
doesn’t love gobbling down a huge packet of potato chips? We all do but we should
be able to resist the temptation.
These
food items have starch which results in particles being trapped in between your
teeth, eventually leading to tooth decay.
You
should limit your consumption of such crunchy food and must take extra care
while flossing when you decide to indulge in such guilty pleasures.
Alcohol
We already know alcohol can be dangerous for our health,
especially if consumed too much and too often.
It can cause dry mouth and dehydration. Your saliva flow will
be affected over time, increasing the chances of tooth decay, infections or gum
disease. Additionally, with heavy alcohol consumption, you also risk getting
mouth cancer.
Are you worried about an infection or just want to have a
regular exam performed by an experienced dentist? Visit our dental center today or get an appointment
by calling (301) 353-8890.
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