Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy to prevent dental problems. It includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings and exams. It also includes avoiding some foods that are bad for oral health. Here are s
- Sugary foods
Anything that contains added sugar is damaging to your teeth when eaten in excess. Sodas and sports drinks contain lots of sugar in liquid form that sticks to teeth. These sugars feed oral bacteria that produce harmful acids that wear away enamel and cause tooth decay.
- Hard candy
Hard candies are one of the worst treats for your oral health. Hard candy typically contains a lot of sugar, which feeds bacteria in the mouth and causes cavities. Some candies are even made with artificial dyes and flavorings that stain the teeth or introduce toxins into the mouth. Furthermore, chewing on hard candy can chip or crack teeth and may even break crowns, bridges, or other dental work that requires extra attention. The bottom line? If it’s not food, don’t eat it.
- Soft drinks
Not only do we hate how soft drinks can stain our teeth, but they can also erode our enamel! This is because sodas are loaded with sugar and acid. The sugar converts into acid in your mouth, causing cavities and tooth decay. The higher the level of acidity in your drink, the more damage it can cause to your teeth. We recommend drinking in moderation or even switching to water which is better for your teeth.
- Coffee and tea
Some studies have linked coffee and black tea consumption with an increased risk of caries development. Both hot beverages can damage the enamel of your teeth due to the presence of tannins. Tannins exist in tea leaves and act as natural astringents. When consumed in excess, they can cause staining of the teeth. Black tea and coffee may both cause discoloration to the tooth surface.
If you’re a regular coffee or tea drinker who doesn’t want to give up your favorite beverage for good, consider cutting down on your habit or switching over to decaffeinated coffee and tea. If you absolutely can’t live without your morning cup of java, try drinking it through a straw to limit contact with your teeth. You should also be sure to brush your teeth soon after drinking either tea or coffee to avoid stains and long-term damage.
- Wine
Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol. This does the body good because it fights heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, it also causes teeth to become discolored from drinking red wine. Other types of alcohol we consume can also have this effect. The tannins in alcoholic drinks can penetrate the enamel on your teeth and cause stains.
A glass of dry white wine is not safe either – this is another drink that can cause discoloration of your teeth. Dry wines tend to have more acid in them than other beverages, which is another reason they can harm your dental health.
The most important tip is to limit how frequently you drink these drinks. If you must drink them, try to drink water with them to help counteract the effects of their acidity. You can also brush your teeth after consuming these drinks to reduce the risk of staining.
- Sports drinks
“Sports drinks” are widely marketed as a healthy alternative to soda and other sugary beverages, but research has shown otherwise. In fact, sports drinks may be even worse than soda when it comes to dental health. While flavored sodas and sports drinks contain similar amounts of sugar per serving, sports drinks are full of acid and sugar byproducts that can damage tooth enamel. Also, while most sodas contain phosphoric acid, which softens tooth enamel and makes it easier for the sugars to permeate the enamel, sports drinks actually contain citric acid – an even more harmful substance to teeth. Citric acid breaks down tooth enamel and contributes to tooth decay over time.
- Dried fruits
Dried fruit is a sticky food that can be difficult to remove from teeth. The stickiness factor increases your risk of tooth decay by attracting bacteria to the pits in your teeth and causing plaque build-up.
The high acid content in dried fruit can damage tooth enamel and cause erosion. This can result in sensitivity or discoloration of your teeth. Make sure you brush well against consuming too many raisins and other dried berries to prevent this from happening.
To learn more about maintaining your oral health, call us at (718) 459-4700 or visit Creative Dental of Queens at 63-58 Wetherole St, Rego Park, NY 11374.
