How healthy are your teeth? Although many people are quick to underestimate their dental health, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different elements that play into overall dental wellness. From how often you brush and floss to how regularly you attend regular checkups, it is important to stay in close communication with your dentist, especially if you come down with a new symptom. The purpose of this website is to help people to understand and resolve dental issues, since small symptoms can lead to big problems down the road. Check out these posts to learn more about dental care.
Damaged teeth can be caused by a number of things, such as bad habits, trauma, or genetics. However, in many cases, the reason that dentists have to address dental issues is due to the foods that are consumed and whether you are properly taking care of your teeth. It is helpful to be familiar with the foods and beverages that are the worst for you. If you have questions about your diet and oral health, keep reading to learn about some of the commonly asked questions and their answers.
Are There Certain Foods That Are More Prone to Causing Cavities?
When it comes to cavities, sugar is by far the most common culprit. The thing with sugar is that it can be found in foods when you least expect it. While you expect sugar in foods like cookies, candies, and pastries, it can also be found in foods that starchy vegetables, many fruits, and bread, and it is still bad if consumed in large amounts.
Are There Ingredients Other Than Sugar to Be Wary Of?
Sugar is the ingredient that most people think of when they think of cavity-causing ingredients; however, acid can also be detrimental. Acid wears away the enamel of your teeth, causing your teeth to become vulnerable to decay and very sensitive. Berries and citrus fruits tend to contain a high level of acid. Generally, sodas contain sugar and acid. You also need to be careful with tea, coffee, and alcohol since they tend to contain high levels of acid, as well.
What Foods Are Prone to Staining Your Teeth?
Due to the high levels of acid, tea and coffee both contain certain chemicals that are known for staining your teeth a yellowish or darker color. Red wine and fruit juice can cause similar problems. Usually, teeth whitening treatments can solve staining problems, but it is always best to avoid the staining from the get-go. In addition, you may experience mouth dryness due to the caffeine that is in tea and coffee as well as the chemicals that are found in alcohol.
Are There Certain Food Textures That Should Be Avoided?
The harder the food is, the more likely the chance that you can crack or chip a tooth when you eat it. This is why chewing on ice is not recommended. Hard candies aren't endorsed by dentists because they not only pose the danger of cracking or chipping a tooth if you bite into them, but the sugar lingers on your teeth while you eat it, causing tartar and plaque to build up on your teeth. Stretchy and chewy foods, such as taffy and gummies, are not recommended either because they can stick to the teeth, allowing sugar to linger.
If you have any other questions, reach out to a dental practice in your area.