The Worst Foods For My Teeth | Hancock Village Dental

Here at Hancock Village Dental, our dentist wants to help you maintain your oral healthy by avoiding some of the worst foods for your teeth and gums.

When it comes to eating healthy, most individuals know that avoiding sweets, candy, and starchy foods can help improve your health, but did you know that limiting your consumption of these foods can also improve your oral health? Eating lots of sticky, starchy, and sugary foods each day can damage your teeth’s enamel and lead to an increased risk of cavities. This is especially true along the sides of your teeth and in your molars and cause gum disease.

1. Gummy Bears and Sweet and Sour Candy

Gummy bears, sweet and sour candy, and dried fruits are terrible for your teeth because they are both sticky and sweet. This means that when you eat these foods, particles stick you your teeth, and when they mix with saliva, a sticky film is created. This allows bacteria to thrive in your mouth, which increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Hard Candy

If you bite into hard candy it can chip and crack your teeth. This may result in the need to immediately visit your dentist to have your teeth repaired. Hard candy is the worst food because it also contains an extreme amount of sugar. This can lead to a bacteria explosion in your mouth. As the bacteria multiply, they create acid and this can erode your enamel, leading to dental decay and cavities.

3. Ice Cubes

Most people don’t realize that ice can damage your teeth. After all, it’s made from water, which is great for your body. Unfortunately, many people chew ice. This can result in cracked and chipped teeth. In order to avoid this hazard, it’s best to leave the ice in your glass after you finish your beverage.

4. Sodas and Sweetened Carbonated Beverages

Sodas are acidic. Regular sodas and sweetened carbonated beverages, like energy drinks and even some flavored waters, contain a lot of liquid sugar. Sodas can completely coat your teeth and be difficult to remove. If any of the sugary film is left on your teeth for an extended period of time, it can increase your risk for developing cavities and gum disease. Not to mention, darkly colored drinks can stain your teeth.

5. Alcoholic Beverages

Certain types of alcoholic beverages, like red wine, can be good for your body. However, drinking large quantities of alcohol can dehydrate your mouth. When your mouth is dehydrated, there isn’t enough saliva to coat your teeth and supply them with the minerals they need to replenish the enamel. This can increase your risk of developing cavities.

6. Bread and Starchy Foods

Bread and starchy foods, like rice, pasta, chips, and crackers aren’t good for your teeth. When you eat starchy foods, the saliva in your mouth immediately starts breaking down the starches and turning them into sugar. These foods also tend to break down into tiny pieces. When those pieces mix with saliva, they become extremely sticky. This can lead to the food particles remaining in your mouth and on your teeth for an extended amount of time. This can increase your risk of developing tooth decay. It can also cause symptoms of gum disease, like inflamed and bleeding gums.

Improving Oral Health

Our dentist in Clermont, Florida offers dental checkups and teeth cleanings for children and adults. Our dental checkups include a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw through digital x-rays and a thorough teeth cleaning. A routine cleaning at your dentist’s office removes all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and below the gum line.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited one of our local dentists, you may need a full mouth debride. This is designed to remove extremely hard debris from your mouth. If you have signs of gingivitis, you may need a teeth cleaning that includes scaling and root planing. If you need one of our advanced teeth cleaning services, our dentist will explain the reasons and the type of cleaning during your examination.

To schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning and checkup at Hancock Village Dental in Clermont, FL, call us at 352-989-5815 today!