It is common knowledge that brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments are necessary to keep your teeth in check. But did you know that your diet also affects your oral health? Eating bad food for your teeth can lead to a myriad of dental issues, cavities being one of them.

Cavities occur when there is a buildup of plaque or bacteria from particular food or drinks, resulting in tooth decay and possibly gum disease. So, how can you steer clear of these oral health problems?

At Wiltshire Family Dental, we recommend that patients be mindful of the foods and drinks they consume to ensure that their teeth and gums remain as healthy as possible.

Here is a list of foods and drinks that can have a negative effect on your oral health:

Citrus

Vitamin C is a star-quality nutrient known to help maintain a well-balanced diet. Despite its merits, having too much of it is not ideal for your teeth. Citric fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits taste refreshing and create the perfect tropical cocktails. But, at the same time, they can erode your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. If you are a fan of citric fruits or fruit juice, we advise you to consume these products in moderation or use a straw to allow the acids to bypass your teeth and rinse with water afterward.

Coffee

Caffeine is a huge energy booster that can help you tackle anything, whether grueling work shifts or night-long study sessions. You might even need to drink more than one or two cups a day to power through until you reach the finish line. However, you should be aware that coffee can have a negative impact on the health of your teeth.

Having too much sugar in your coffee is never ideal for your pearly whites, and drinking copious amounts of coffee can even stain your teeth. After hearing all of this, if you still choose to drink caffeinated coffee or tea, you should minimize add-ons (sugar, cream, etc) and drink water to compensate. It’s also recommended to brush your teeth after having a coffee or tea to help minimize the damage.

Dried fruits

Dried apricots, mangos, or pineapples might make the perfect snack, but munching on them regularly is not great for your teeth! Dried fruits contain a high amount of sugar, which gives them that sticky texture you may notice. When traces of dried fruit cling to your teeth, it can be hard to remove and lead to cavities. Some healthier alternatives worth considering include nuts, cheeses, and non-acidic fruits and vegetables if you like to snack often.

Sugar

You probably know by now that sugar is one of your teeth’s worst enemies. It has the power to turn your mouth into an acidic environment, one in which your tooth enamel can quickly wear away. Although sweet treats, like chocolate cake, freshly baked cookies, and autumnal pies taste divine, they can aggravate your teeth and lead to tooth decay.

For all of our patients who have a huge sweet tooth and cannot stay away from sugary food, all is not lost. As the saying goes, “No meal is complete without dessert .”Try having something sweet after the main course, rather than as a snack, and do not forget to follow that up with brushing your teeth.

Carbonated Beverages

Fizzy sodas make the perfect accompaniment for junk food, whether a box of pizza or a burger and fries. But did you know that drinking large amounts of Soda can be extremely harmful to your teeth? And guess why… Sugar!

Sodas are loaded with sugar, and consuming them regularly will coat your teeth in acid, attack your enamel and induce decay. When consuming soft drinks, be conscious of the amount of sugar involved, and be sure to brush your teeth after!

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol causes many health issues, and it is not exactly kind to your teeth either. One of its most noticeable side effects is dehydration in the mouth, which is harmful to your oral health as saliva is essential for keeping your teeth in good condition. It prevents food from sticking to your mouth and washes away leftover food particles. It also prevents early signs of oral health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease.

Those who drink excessive alcohol are more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth cancer. If you want our advice, drinking water is the best way to keep your mouth hydrated and ensure your teeth stay fresh.

After learning about which kinds of food and drinks are harmful to your teeth, we hope you keep this information in mind and apply it to your diet to improve your overall oral health.

If you are looking for a dental clinic in Sarnia, Ontario, visit Wiltshire Family Dental! Our team is dedicated to maintaining a family-friendly environment while providing top-quality treatments for patients. We offer comprehensive services to address your every dental need, including dental implants, dentures, Invisalign, teeth whitening, or other oral healthcare needs. Call (519) 704-0336 and schedule an appointment today!