Everyone knows that the nutritional diet directly affects the general state of health. Have you thought about it though How does food affect the health of teeth and gums? We present you a list of The 10 Most Harmful Foods and Drinks for Your Oral Health. You will also learn useful tips on how to deal with the damage they can cause.
1. Chocolates, candies and other sweet foods
If you have a sweet tooth, you should be aware that chocolates, candies, cakes and other treats can be devastating to your teeth and gums. Foods high in sugar lead to a build-up of bacteria, which in turn can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Foods with caramel, lollipops, hard and jelly candies are even more dangerous because they stick to the teeth and prevent saliva from washing away the sugar.
Advice:
If you can't resist sweets, at least try eating them after a meal, not between meals. After dessert, you should rinse your teeth with water, and it's even better to brush your teeth with toothpaste after you treat yourself.
2. Soft drinks
You probably think that if you drink diet (sugar-free) soft drinks, your problem is solved. Wrong, soft drinks contain acids that damage enamel. It is best to avoid all types of soft drinks.
Advice:
If you still can't give up soft drinks, be sure to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, as acids make the enamel more vulnerable to abrasion.
3. Coffee and tea
Most people are addicted to caffeine and cannot start their day without a cup of coffee or tea. This in itself is not bad for oral health, but if you add sugar, it can harm your teeth and gums. In addition, excessive intake of coffee and tea can lead to tooth staining.
Advice:
If you regularly consume tea and coffee, avoid adding sugar and drink as much water as possible.
4. Wine
All types of wine contain erosive acid that softens enamel and makes teeth susceptible to tooth decay. Red wine contains tannins that dry out the mouth and stain the teeth.
Advice:
Drink plenty of water with the wine and brush your teeth regularly. This way you will reduce plaque and limit the harmful influence of tannins. Teeth should be brushed at least 30 minutes after drinking wine.
5. Sports drinks
During and after sports or fitness, many people are tempted to drink sports drinks to quench their thirst. Keep in mind that these drinks are acidic and are thicker, which allows the liquid to stick to the teeth for a while.
Advice:
After sports or training, drink water. It quenches thirst and is completely harmless to the teeth.
6. Citrus fruits and juices
They are undoubtedly part of a healthy diet. However, keep in mind that when you eat a lot of them or drink a lot of juice, the acid they contain can thin the tooth enamel and make the teeth vulnerable to bacteria and cavities.
Advice:
Drinking juice through a straw protects the teeth because the liquid goes directly down the throat and has much less contact with the teeth. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
7. Crackers
Crackers look harmless and are a favorite cereal for many people. In moderation you won't have any problems. However, they are refined carbohydrates, and studies show that excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates can lead to gum inflammation. Inflammation of the gums is responsible for many chronic diseases, such as periodontitis and gingivitis.
Advice:
Just don't overdo it with crackers.
8. Tomato sauce
Tomatoes are healthy, but they are also very acidic. Therefore, excessive consumption of tomato sauce puts your mouth to the test. Acidic tomato sauce breaks down enamel, and the carbohydrates in pasta increase the growth of bacteria, which in turn leads to tooth decay.
Advice:
Do not overdo it with tomato sauce and clean your teeth thoroughly after consuming such food.
9. Dried fruits
Many people consider dried fruits as a healthy snack, but you should know that they are not very kind to the teeth. Dried fruits contain highly concentrated sugar and have a hard, sticky consistency. Both of these things are a prerequisite for caries
Advice:
Drink plenty of water after eating dried fruit. Teeth can be brushed after at least 30 minutes.
10. Ice
Ice can cause serious damage to teeth and gums. Chewing on hard substances like ice can damage the enamel and even land you in the emergency room if you break a tooth.
Advice:
Enjoy water only in liquid form, or if you still like iced drinks, don't try to eat the ice.