Patients do not always consider the effect different foods can have on their teeth. Yet, some foods can greatly speed up tooth decay; especially, if you regularly eat several of these foods.
To help you out before your next visit to Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, try to cut back on these foods which can cause quick tooth decay.
Hard And Chewy Candy Both Damage Teeth
Sugar, in general, is a large factor in tooth decay. Many types of dental bacteria love to eat the leftover residue of sugar which remains on your teeth after you eat something sugary. The particular dangers represented by both hard and soft candies are:
- Hard candies – Not only bad for teeth if you crunch them but hard candies you suck on have a demineralization effect on your teeth. This can leave your teeth prone to chipping and even more vulnerable to tooth decay.
- Chewy candies – Whether the chewy candy is a pure sugary treat or dried fruit, the sticky residue from chewy candies that is left on your teeth makes you even more vulnerable to the bacteria which eats sugar off of teeth.
Citrus Fruits Cause Dental Issues
While citrus fruits can be an excellent way to add vitamins to your diet, their highly acidic nature leaches minerals from the enamel of your teeth. As you weaken your enamel, your teeth are far more likely to develop spots of decay.
Soda And Teeth Shouldn’t Mix
If you are a regular soda drinker, you not only can demineralize your teeth but also cause your gums to recede from lack of proper hydration. As gums recede, it exposes the roots of your teeth which don’t have the protective enamel the crowns of your teeth have to protect them.
Also, do not swish your soda around in your mouth. This allows the sugary drink to reach between your teeth where it is far more difficult to clean. Drinking water directly after drinking soda can help neutralize some of the potential decay issues.
Fruit Juices And Sports Drinks Aren’t Teeth-Friendly
While many people believe that drinking fruit juices and sports drinks are healthy choices, it is far from the case when it comes to the health of your teeth. Both of these types of drinks are usually laden with sugar to make them more appealing and many are fairly acidic. Between these two features, these drinks can erode your dental enamel then invite decay with the sugar residue.
Popcorn Can Cause Multiple Dental Problems
Popcorn contains lactic acid, which in most cases, adds flavor to this treat. However, as it becomes lodged between your teeth and gums, bacteria and decay are invited. Not only can the stuck bits of popcorn inflame your gums, it can lead bacteria to form pockets under your gums as it attacks the roots of your teeth.
To help protect you from the effects of these decay-causing foods, make sure you book a dental cleaning with us so our staff can catch any problems before they become serious.
