You have probably heard of the common phrase; you are what you eat. And in no better place can that be seen than in your mouth and teeth! This is simply because many beverages and foods can trigger plaque build-up, which can seriously damage your pearly whites.
Many foods can potentially cause harm to your teeth, including candies and soda. And while some people suggest keeping such foods off your menu, dentists opine consuming them in moderation and maintaining proper oral hygiene. Below are eight foods and beverages that you need to drink in moderation:
- Ice: Though adding ice to your drink is generally acceptable, ensure you don’t chew on the ice. It would be best if you avoid anything likely to cause trauma to your pearly whites, such as chewing on ice, as it can fracture your enamel.
- Sports drinks: With sports and energy drinks, it simply boils down to how regularly you consume them. If you drink them daily, the chances are high that you’ll develop cavities. These drinks contain acid and relatively more elevated amounts of sugar. So, if you have to drink them, do so in moderation!
- Flavored coffee creamers: Unsweetened beverages such as coffee and tea are generally healthy. However, when sugar, syrup, or flavored creamers are included, this now becomes an unhealthy drink that can cause damage to your teeth. If, for some reason, you can’t avoid consuming sweetened coffee or tea, rinse your mouth with adequate water.
- Sour gummies: Sour flavor of these candies is achieved by adding copious amounts of acid. The candies’ sugary coatings can damage your enamel. Also, the sticky nature of these candies makes them stick somewhat longer on your teeth. Dried fruits are equally in a similar category, so it’s high time you limit your sour gummy consumption.
- Popcorn: The problem with popcorn is simply the kernels that fail to pop. Chewing on them can even break your tooth. It is highly recommended that you allow the unpopped seeds to remain in the bucket to ward off dental damage.
- Lemons: Squeezing fresh lemon inside a glass of water can be exciting. However, you must avoid sucking on the lemon, bearing in mind that any food with citric acid harms your tooth enamel.
- Alcohol: It is not harmful to occasionally drink a bottle of beer or a glass of fine wine. However, regular alcohol consumption will ultimately make your mouth dry. And with a dry mouth, saliva flow reduces. A dry mouth increases your risk of cavities and gum disease. What’s more, excess oral consumption is associated with oral cancer.
- Protein bars: Protein bars usually boast a high amount of sugar. You can easily remove them from your menu because you can get protein from other better sources. If, in any case, you can stay away from protein bars, then make sure you thoroughly wash your mouth, drink lots of water, or chew sugar-free gum after eating one to help eliminate excess sugar from your teeth.
- Bread: Bread is a precious food that most people won’t live without. However, before you buy one, think twice! When chewing bread, saliva from your mouth breaks down starches, which are then transformed into sugar. And the transformed, sticky paste-like substance sticks to the crevices between your teeth, leading to cavities. When you seriously need some carbs, you should go for the less-refined ones, such as whole wheat, because they feature relatively fewer amounts of sugar.
Once you understand what foods and beverages could potentially harm your teeth, the next step should be proactive care. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help combat their effects on your smile. At HPS Advanced Dental, our goal is to guide you on the best practices for maintaining it – don’t wait until a minor issue escalates into something larger – make an appointment now to make sure your pearly whites remain strong and healthy throughout life!
