Food and Drink to Avoid for Healthier Teeth

Your teeth are what people see first when they speak with you, so it’s crucial to keep those pearly whites healthy. There are certain foods that can wreak havoc on teeth, from coffee and tea to candy and dried fruit.

Eating a balanced diet from the main food groups, drinking water frequently throughout the day, and regular brushing can all help to combat the effects of dangerous foods and beverages.

Once staining, acid erosion, gum disease, and cavities start, they can be hard to reverse. So do the right thing from the start and you’ll avoid any issues completely.

Eat Healthy

According to WebMD, when you eat certain foods, bacteria in your mouth convert sugars to acids, which then begin the decay process by attacking the enamel on your teeth (the hard outer layer of your teeth).

One way to combat this decay is to eat foods and drink beverages that are healthy for your teeth.

Many of us have a sweet tooth, right? Well, you may have to consider cutting back on those sweets to avoid unhealthy teeth. WebMD advises avoiding hard candies, mints, cookies, cakes, and pies. Also stay away from those salty treats you may love, like potato chips, pretzels, and french fries.

Surprisingly, bananas, raisins, and dried fruits can harm your teeth as well, as they can either stick to your teeth or sit in between your teeth and encourage bacteria growth.

It’s a good idea to snack on crunchy fruits such as apples, and crisp veggies, such as carrots and pepper slices, as these all have lots of water in them. This, in turn, dilutes the effects of the sugars within them, stimulating the flow of saliva. The result? Your spit helps wash away pieces of food and guards against acid.

Ditch the Drinks

Many adults enjoy their morning cup of coffee before facing the day. But consider what that coffee is doing to your teeth.

You may experience staining, which presents an aesthetic issue, or a weakening of enamel, explains WebMD. Drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and wine are usually sipped slowly, which means the acid in these beverages remains in your mouth for longer, exposing your teeth to even more dangers.

Combat Cavities

The American Dental Association recommends reading the nutrition facts and ingredient labels on foods and beverages in an effort to control the amount of sugar you consume.

Too much sugar can lead to cavities, but it can also lead to plaque, gum disease, and acid erosion of your teeth’s enamel.

Instead of processed sugar, drink lots of water and eat foods from the main food groups, including whole grains, fruits and veggies, chicken and fish, and low-fat dairy.

The ADA says to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.

The goal is to catch these problems in the early stages before they become more of a problem. Avoid snacking here and there throughout the day, because tooth decay becomes a risk factor when you do this.

When you are constantly sipping coffee or soda and eating junk food, acid starts to attack the tooth enamel. You can combat the destruction of your teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and a visit to your dentist at least once every six months.