Maintaining smart eating habits is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. While you are probably aware that sweet and acidic foods and beverages like candy, soda, and pastries can feed harmful oral bacteria and erode your enamel, you may not know that some seemingly innocuous items can be risky for your dental health. Here’s a quick look at a few foods and beverages that can be hazardous to your teeth as well as a few tips to help you keep your mouth in great shape.
Which Foods and Beverages Can Be Oral Health Hazards?
A few lesser-known risks to your oral health include:
- Juice: While many people assume that juice must be healthy for you since it comes from fruit, the truth is that these beverages are quite high in sugar and acids and low in the fiber that makes fruit so good for you in the first place.
- Raisins: While raisins can be a delightful treat, they are dense with sugar and quite sticky. Getting bits of raisin stuck between your teeth can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Starches: Though many salty snacks like saltines, potato chips, and pretzels may not be terribly sweet, they are rich in starches that will break down into simple sugars after they are placed in the mouth. These sugars will feed harmful oral bacteria that can cause cavities and gum infections.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with a plethora of health problems, but you may not be aware that beer, wine, and liquor are incredibly acidic.
How Can I Keep My Teeth in Great Shape?
It’s okay to enjoy foods and beverages like these in moderation, but it’s also important to make sure you take the appropriate measures to mitigate the associated risks. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Practice excellent oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth every day while rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash regularly.
- Visit your dentist regularly: The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings.
- Drink sugary or acidic beverages through a straw: This will reduce how much liquid makes contact with your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water: Water is the best beverage for your oral health and will help dilute harmful agents and flush them away from your teeth.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Doing this after meals will help dislodge stuck bits of food from your teeth and gums and promote healthy saliva flow.
Don’t let your eating and drinking habits sabotage your oral health. Consulting with your dentist can help you keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition.
About the Author
Dr. Hui Zhang earned her dental degree at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and keeps her skills current by regularly participating in continuing education coursework. Her office in Justin offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next checkup, contact her office on the web or dial (940) 946-0055.