Who doesn’t want a straight smile with flawless, pearly, white teeth? To get that perfect smile, however, much effort is required. One of the most important steps you can take is to improve your diet.
The foods that we eat play a significant role in the condition of our teeth. Certain foods can damage your teeth and gums. So, here are five foods that you should avoid when it comes to your dental health.
Starchy foods
When trying to avoid tooth decay, potatoes, rice, bread, and other starchy foods can be notoriously harmful. Small pieces of these foods can get stuck in between or behind your teeth, particularly in the back of your mouth. These tasty carbohydrates are a favorite meal for bacteria.
Therefore, it’s essential to brush your teeth after eating starchy foods. If you can’t brush immediately, then swirl some water in your mouth to remove any particles that could be stuck to your teeth.
Carbonated Sodas
Sodas usually contain more sugar than you would ever imagine adding to your cup of tea or coffee. They also contain acids that can erode your tooth enamel over time. Besides sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and pre-sweetened teas can also be harmful to your teeth, thanks to their high sugar content.
Even fruit juice is packed with sugar, which makes it unsuitable when it comes to your dental health. You should try water or milk instead whenever you feel like having something to drink.
Sour Candies
Sour candy contains a lot of different kinds of acids that can be harsh on your teeth. Also, the fact that they are chewy makes them stick to your teeth for prolonged periods, which raises the likelihood of tooth decay.
If you are craving candy, it’s advisable to eat a square of chocolate instead. You can chew that quickly and rinse out your mouth easily.
Lemons
Lemons are not sugary or sticky, but they can still wreak havoc on your dental health, thanks to their high acid content. These acids can erode your teeth enamel over time. You should avoid sucking on lemons.
Instead, squeeze the juice in some water, which helps to dilute it before consumption. You can also mix them with foods or other drinks.
Alcohol
It’s common knowledge that drinking alcohol is generally not healthy; however, few people know that drinking alcohol can lead to mouth dryness. When your mouth is dry, you don’t have enough saliva, which is essential for keeping your teeth healthy.
Saliva is effective in preventing food from sticking to your teeth. It also helps to wash away food particles. Moreover, it helps to repair early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral infections. So, it’s important to limit your alcohol intake and focus on drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated.
Summing up, there are plenty of foods that can harm your teeth and gums, but the five mentioned above are the most notorious. You should limit their consumption or avoid them altogether.
