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Do you often find yourself consuming sugary foods or drinking sugary drinks? Are you worried if these foods are bad for your oral and dental health? If yes, read on this blog from Dental 2000 to know how these foods negatively affect your dental health.

Foods That Can Harm Your Teeth and Gums

Sugary Foods

Any food high in sugar is unhealthy for your teeth. Sugar feeds oral bacteria, causing tooth decay and cavities. Sticky candies like caramel stick to the teeth, lingering in the mouth for a long time. This means that your saliva cannot wash the sugar away, so it sits on your teeth, damaging enamel. Avoiding sticky treats reduces your risk of tooth decay.

Hard Candy

Hard candies are one of the worst treats for your oral health. Sugar from the candy will stick to your teeth, encouraging bacteria growth and causing the enamel to wear away faster. The sugar also clings to the bacteria that already live in your mouth and causes them to multiply more quickly. Eating these types of candy can cause you to get cavities in a shorter amount of time. Cavities require treatment from our dentist in Laguna Niguel, CA, and Irvine, CA, which be painful and expensive. Some types of hard candy even contain acids that can cause damage to your teeth. Acidic foods wear away the enamel on your teeth faster than other foods. This puts you at a greater risk of tooth decay, cavities, and even sensitivity issues with the teeth. If you do eat hard candy, make sure to brush and floss your teeth immediately afterward to remove as much residue as possible.

Soft Drinks

Sugary beverages are some of the worst for oral health for a number of reasons. To start, they include a lot of sugar in them. This is one of the reasons why they are so sweet and enjoyable to drink. However, that sugar feeds oral bacteria in the mouth. As a result, these bacteria produce acid. This acid wears down tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Additionally, the acids in soft drinks damage gum tissue and cause gum disease to develop. To avoid these problems, you should limit your intake of sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks.

Coffee/Tea

The acid in coffee can also wear down your enamel over time. If you drink a lot of coffee or tea daily, make sure you also consume plenty of water to wash away the acidity and wash it away from your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking coffee or drinking tea to help wash away any of the acids that remain in your mouth.

Wine

Alcohol can cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. It can also wear down your enamel. Red wine specifically can cause stains on your teeth, which is the last thing you need if you’re wearing braces or undergoing teeth whitening treatments. If you do drink red wine, be sure to brush your teeth soon after to avoid staining. You can also drink water after consuming any alcoholic beverage to rinse your mouth out and stay hydrated.

If you want to sip on some wine during a special occasion, consider drinking it through a straw. This will reduce the amount that hits your teeth.

Sports Drinks

Many sports drinks claim to help athletes perform better during workouts or sporting events. However, these drinks are also filled with sugars and other additives that can damage teeth. The acid in these beverages can cause tooth enamel to wear away over time. Additionally, consuming too much-refined sugar can directly damage teeth. If you are an athlete who chooses a sports drink over water before an event, rinse your mouth with water after drinking to reduce any damage it may cause to your teeth. To maintain a healthy smile, avoid eating these types of foods and beverages wherever possible. 

Dried Fruits

The chewy texture and sweet taste of dried fruits are appealing treats that are easy to pack in a lunch or keep in your desk drawer at work for a quick afternoon snack. Unfortunately, the sticky consistency of dried fruit means that it sticks to your teeth long after consumption; this doesn’t just make your mouth feel gross but also contributes to tooth decay. Additionally, many dried fruits contain added sugars and preservatives that make them harmful to your overall health. If you do enjoy the taste of dried fruit, look for options that are unsweetened.

Your smile is worth taking care of – so make informed choices when it comes to what you eat for the sake of your oral health. Schedule an appointment NOW!

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene While Still Enjoying These Foods

Maintaining good oral hygiene in Laguna Niguel, CA, and Irvine, CA, doesn't mean you have to completely give up on all your favorite foods. With a few mindful tips, you can still enjoy these treats while taking care of your teeth.

One tip is to drink water after consuming sugary or acidic foods. This helps rinse away any residue and reduces the acidity in your mouth. Another trick is to chew sugar-free gum after meals as it stimulates saliva production, which naturally cleanses the teeth.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential for removing plaque buildup. Don't forget to floss daily as well to clean between those hard-to-reach areas where food particles can get stuck.

Regular dental check-ups are crucial in maintaining good oral health, so make sure to schedule appointments with our dentist in Irvine, CA, and Laguna Niguel, CA, every six months. By following these simple tips, you can indulge in your favorite foods without compromising your smile!

Experience top-notch dental care at Dental 2000! With convenient locations in Irvine and Laguna Niguel, our expert team is ready to provide you with exceptional service tailored to your unique needs. Schedule your appointment NOW!