Worst Foods For Oral Health

Our diet plays a crucial role in maintaining our oral health. It affects not only our physical health but also our oral health. There are certain foods that are considered bad for oral health. These foods can trigger tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Here are some of them.

• Chips and Crisps

Sweet, crunchy snack foods like chips and crackers can be hard on your teeth. These foods can cause chips and cracks in your tooth enamel. Once this occurs, tooth decay can quickly set in as bacteria can more easily infiltrate the tooth structure. If you do enjoy these types of snacks, be sure to drink lots of water to prevent dry mouth and help wash away food particles from your mouth. Additionally, avoid crunching down on hard objects like ice, as this can also damage the protective layers of your teeth.

• Candy

When it comes to candy, the chocolate variety is generally better for your dental health than other sugary treats. That's because dark chocolate has antioxidants that are great for your gums and teeth, while other types of candy usually don't. That doesn't mean you should eat an entire bag of M&Ms! The key to dental health is moderation. And don't forget to rinse your mouth afterward. 

• Sticky Candies

While sticky candy tastes great and gives you a bit of a sugar rush, it's one of the worst foods for your oral health because it sticks to your teeth for long periods of time. It can even increase the amount of plaque you have on your teeth. Instead of giving in to the temptation of chewing a piece of gum or sucking on a lollipop, try snacking on healthier options instead, like nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

• Soda

Another drink that you should avoid at all costs is soda. Soda is a beverage that's high in sugar and acid, which isn't good for your teeth at all. It can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss as well! Your best option is to opt for water over sugary drinks – it has zero calories and is good for your body overall.

• Dried Fruits

Even though dried fruit may be a good source of filling fiber, it's not actually that good for your teeth and gums. A lot of dried fruits are high in sugar and can stick to your teeth for a long time. It's also hard to chew dried fruit properly, so you can easily end up damaging your enamel as a result. The best course of action is to snack on fresh fruit instead of dried fruit.

• Hard Candies

While hard candies are delicious, they are notoriously bad for your teeth. They wear down your enamel, which gives you an increased likelihood of cavities. Additionally, the sugar can linger in your mouth and turn into plaque acids. Plaque acids cause severe damage to your teeth and gums. It is best to avoid eating these whenever possible. If you do enjoy them on occasion, make sure you are practicing daily dental hygiene methods to help reduce your risk of tooth decay. 

Find out more about oral health tips by scheduling an appointment at the Rio Rancho Family Dental Care clinic. Call at (505) 891-4510 or drop in at our dental office, located at 4041 Ridge Rock Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.