Some foods we eat can present greater risks than others for ailments such as tooth decay or gum disease. Although the best choice in averting oral health care disasters continues to be a daily maintenance in our oral hygiene habits, it’s vital to avoid hazards before they even have a chance to enter your mouth. Here are a few kinds of foods to look out for and what not to eat to preserve your smile.
Fermentable carbohydrates: Fermentable carbohydrates can be broken down into acids that eat away at our tooth enamel. This includes nearly all types of sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup, and starchy items like donuts and white bread.
Sugary Sweets: Sugar is created by bad bacteria in our mouths and changed into acids which break down tooth defenses. This includes candy, soft drinks, juices, cookies, cakes, sport drinks, and various snacks.
Acidic Foods: Many kinds of sour candy have a pH level similar to battery acid. Even some healthy foods can be tremendously acidic, like lemons and oranges. Eat these with meals to dilute the acids.
Sticky or Hard Snacks: Sticky candy such as taffy or gummies, along with hard candy such as candy canes and lollipops can hurt our teeth or be tough to eliminate via daily cleaning habits. Other tricky foods are popcorn, various meat products, caramels, peanut butter, and jelly.
Don’t let unhealthy habits ruin your smile. If you need an oral exam or professional cleaning by our dentists at Grand Trails Dental or would like book an appointment with Dr. Priya, call us at 832-616-8822, to plan an appointment with our office in Spring, Texas. We look forward to making your smile the best it can be!