How Food Affects Your Teeth
We all know that brushing and flossing twice a day is necessary for maintaining oral health, as well as regularly scheduled appointments with your dentist for cleanings & checkups. Truly caring for your teeth, however, goes beyond these standard practices. The food & drinks you consume throughout the day can have a significant impact on your oral health. While some foods strengthen your teeth and contribute to keeping them clean, others can lead to excess bacteria and plaque buildup that will lead to longer-term issues. Not sure how your current diet is impacting your oral health? Check out Paradise Dental‘s guide to the best & worst food for your teeth!
Worst Foods For Your Teeth
Many of the foods we eat every day without thinking can negatively impact our teeth. In general, foods with high acidity or large amounts of sugar are some of the worst. These foods can break down your teeth and impact your enamel, as well as cause cavities and plaque buildup:
Starchy Foods
Bread, potatoes, and other foods that are high in starches might not taste sugary, but your saliva breaks them down into sugar as you chew. Your teeth are then coated in this sugar as the bread breaks down & gets stuck between your teeth.
Chewy Candy
It is not a secret that candy is bad for your teeth, but chewy, sticky candies are among the worst. Not only does sugar stick to your teeth, causing cavities, but the high acidity in these candies is a recipe for disaster when it comes to breaking down your tooth enamel.
Best Foods For Your Teeth
Although many foods can lead to faster plaque buildup, other foods can actually fight plaque and keep your teeth cleaner. Be sure to include high fiber fruits and veggies in your diet, and try to get added fluoride whenever possible!
Foods High in Fiber
High fiber foods work to cleanse the teeth & mouth by making you produce more saliva. This includes fiber rich fruits & vegetables.
Foods & Drinks With Fluoride
Drinking fluoridated water is a great way to boost your oral health. You can also get extra fluoride from some poultry and seafood products. Also, make sure you are using a toothpaste with fluoride for added protection!
Have you realized it’s time for your next continued care appointment? Book your cleaning with Paradise Dental today!
