A List of the Worst Foods for Oral Health
Before we begin, we have to warn you; this list will contain some crowd-favorite foods, the inclusion of which will surely elicit a groan!
Most of the foods on this list are spicy and delicious and easy-to-access. They offer a sudden burst of energy for a short amount of time. They’re also affordable to boot.
On the other hand, others are on the list because they’re essentially sugar on a stick. Either way, it’s a proven fact that all of the foods listed below can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums!
List of Bad Food for Oral Health
- Citrus drinks and fruit drinks
- Coffee
- Sweet, sticky foods like jams, desserts, candies, cereal and dried fruit
- Chips and potato crisps
- Soda (all kinds)
- Alcohol
- Sports drinks
- Soft bread
- Highly acidic foods (lemons, pickles tomatoes)
- Hard food (hard candy, ice, unpopped popcorn)
- Wine
- Sour candy
- Canned fruits
- Crackers
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Vinegar
- Cough drops and certain types of medicine
- Breath mints
A Note
We won’t deny that for a lot of us, excluding such foods from our daily diet will only cause inconvenience. Fast food and junk food are easier to buy, don’t require cooking, and fill the stomach fast.
But let’s not forget; despite all these appealing qualities, an improper diet leads to a lot of health problems, especially if you keep at it over a long period of time.
Yes, it will require a lot more effort on your part to change your dietary habits. But doing so while your teeth can still be treated will not only prevent any future dental problems, but it’ll also make you a healthier person.
What Your Diet Needs
According to the doctors here at Dr. King’s General Dentistry, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay by following the steps below:
- Drink more tap water—Tap water has fluoride in it, which not only cleans your teeth, but also rinses out any bacteria. If you drink bottled water, always check for the fluoride content.
- If you must eat sugary food, do so with your meals—Since your mouth creates more saliva at these times, it’ll rinse any bits of food from between your teeth and will reduce the effect of any acid production.
- Don’t snack too much between meals—Stick to healthier foods if you crave a snack, and chew on sugarless gum to trigger saliva flow, so as to wash out acid and food.
Think Your Teeth Need Some Attention?
Schedule an appointment with our family dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA.
As a trusted name in the Virginia Beach community, we’re the best dental practice to come to for all your concerns.
Contact us today and let us help you improve your teeth and gum health!