The condition of your teeth largely depends on what you eat. Your oral health can also be affected by your food choices. Eating certain food items and beverages on a regular basis could lead to cavities and other dental problems. Listed below are the worst foods for oral health:

• Hard candies

Hard candies cause damage to your teeth because they will physically break down the enamel and dentin of your teeth, leading to chips and fractures in your teeth. When you eat hard candy, it sticks to the surface of your teeth and doesn’t dissolve for a long period of time. Instead, the sticky sugar coats the surfaces of your teeth, attracting bacteria that feed on the sugar and excrete acids that will break down your enamel.

The sugar also feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which will start to grow and multiply on your tooth’s surfaces. This creates an acidic environment that puts your teeth at risk for erosion and decay.

• Soda

The sugar in soda promotes tooth decay by feeding bad bacteria in the mouth. Sipping on soda over a long period of time can also lead to tooth erosion, in which the protective outer layer of the teeth wears off, making teeth more susceptible to decay.

Drinking soda regularly can also increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and acid wear on tooth enamel. Additionally, carbonated sodas contain phosphoric and citric acids that can erode tooth enamel. Regular consumption of acidic food and drinks can increase the acidity of the mouth and lead to enamel loss. Enamel is the protective layer of the teeth, and once it’s gone, the body cannot grow more. If too much enamel is lost, teeth become sensitive and more prone to breakage and sensitivity. Instead of drinking soda, drink water or unsweetened tea instead. 

• Citrus Fruits

Does eating an orange or drinking a glass of orange juice every morning sound good to you? There’s a good chance it does because it contains vitamin C and other nutrients that are good for your body. However, these citrus fruits can also damage your teeth by eroding the enamel on your teeth. Once the enamel is eroded away, there’s no way to get it back, and your risk of tooth decay increases dramatically. It’s worth it to limit the consumption of these types of foods as often as possible to protect your oral health! If you do consume them, rinse your mouth afterward.

• Dry Fruits

Dried fruits are a healthy snack for many kids and adults because they contain a lot of fiber and nutrients. However, they can also cause some oral health problems for some people. The reason they are bad for your teeth is that their texture can stick between teeth. This can lead to the formation of plaque on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. If you consume dried fruits regularly, we recommend that you also brush your teeth after consuming them.

• Ice

While nibbling on the ice during a conversation or while watching an exciting movie is a cool thing to do, it’s not a very wise thing. Chewing on ice can crack your teeth and hurt your gums badly. It can cause tooth sensitivity and pain. If you accidentally bite down on an ice cube while crunching on it, it can hurt the gums. If you have sensitive teeth, it can worsen the condition. So, if you have sensitive gums or teeth, avoid chewing ice cubes. Even kids should be discouraged from eating ice as it can severely damage the teeth and lead to tooth decay and cavities.

• Alcohol

Alcohol is a sugar-alcohol liquid that is highly acidic and bad for your teeth. The acid in alcohol wears away at the enamel of your teeth and causes tooth decay. Chronic use of alcohol leads to oral cancer risk as well. You can sip on wine or champagne on special occasions but try to limit your intake as much as possible to keep good oral health.

To learn more, schedule an appointment today at J. Russell Danner, DDS in Oklahoma City, by calling 405-749-1676.