Our diet has a major impact on the health and appearance of our smiles. The foods and drinks we consume can lead to a number of serious oral health issues, including embarrassing teeth stains and uncomfortable tooth decay. By recognizing these foods, you can improve your diet and your smile as well. Take a look at 7 foods that damage your smile.
Foods and Drinks That Endanger Your Teeth
1. Sticky Foods: Foods that are sticky, which include caramel and even dry fruits, can adhere to the teeth, where bacteria breaks down the trapped sugar particles. In the process, the teeth are coated in plaque and the teeth become susceptible to tooth decay.
2. Acidic Drinks: Drinks high in citrus and other acids can eventually weaken the protective layer of tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Limit the consumption of drinks containing citrus.
3. Ice: What may not seem like much of a danger can actually damage your teeth. Ice and other hard foods run the risk of chipping or cracking a tooth. Damaging a tooth exposes the sensitive inner structure to bacteria, increasing the risk of decay and infection.
4. Soda: Soda not only stains the teeth, but also has a very high sugar content. As a result, sodas can often lead to dental caries, damaging the health of your smile.
5. Sports Drinks: Sports drinks are good for you, right? In reality, sports drinks contain a high amount of sugar, often comparable to soda. As a result, tooth decay can often result from over consumption of common sports drinks.
6. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: When you drink too much alcohol, you can end up dehydrated and with dry mouth. Without your saliva, bacteria can flourish and break down food particles, leading to decay and a higher risk of gum disease. We recommend drinking more water and enjoying alcohol in moderation.
7. Candy: We should all recognize that candy, whether hard or soft, contains enough sugar to put the health of your smile at risk. Instead, try replacing candy with fresh fruit and vegetables for a smile healthy alternative.
ABOUT YOUR DALLAS, TX DENTIST:
Dallas TX dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, DDS offers a comfortable dental care employing the latest in cutting-edge dental technology. We strive to make sure our patients in Dallas and Richardson have access to innovative preventive, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. To schedule an appointment, call Viva Dental Family Dentistry at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
