21
Apr
5 Food to Avoid to Promote Better Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health is essential for a healthy life. In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, it’s important to watch what you eat.
Some foods are more harmful to your teeth than others and can cause cavities, plaque buildup, and other dental problems. That’s why Summit Dental Group would like to discuss eight foods that you should avoid if you want to maintain good oral health.
5 Foods to Avoid for Better Oral Health
The foods you eat can have a significant impact on your teeth. Below are five foods you should steer clear of for better oral health.
1. Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Sugar is one of the worst enemies of your teeth. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth convert the sugar into acid. This acid then breaks down the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to cavities. In addition to sugary snacks like candy and cookies, sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice can also be harmful to your teeth.
Try to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks and brush your teeth soon after eating them if possible.
Some other things to avoid are:
- Chewy candies
- Sticky sweets
- Hard candies
All these types of candy stay in contact with your teeth for a long time, which gives the sugar more time to damage your teeth.
2. Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks are not only sugary, but they also contain acid. This combination can be very harmful to your teeth. In addition to the sugar and acid, carbonated drinks also tend to be very acidic. This means that they can break down the enamel on your teeth and cause cavities. So, if you’re looking to promote better oral health, it’s best to avoid carbonated drinks altogether.
3. Starchy Snacks
Starchy snacks like chips and pretzels can also be harmful to your teeth. When you eat these types of foods, the starch turns into sugar, which then leads to cavities. In addition, starchy snacks can also stick to your teeth and contribute to plaque buildup. So, if you’re looking to promote better oral health, it’s best to avoid starchy snacks as well.
Some other things to avoid are:
- Potato chips
- Corn chips
- Pretzels
- Rice cakes
All these types of snacks contain starch that can turn into sugar and damage your teeth.
4. Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are a healthy snack, but they can also be harmful to your teeth. The sugar in dried fruits can lead to cavities, and the acid can break down the enamel on your teeth. So, if you’re looking to promote better oral health, it’s best to avoid dried fruits like:
- Raisins
- Prunes
- Figs
All these types of dried fruit contain sugar and acid that can damage your teeth.
5. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that contains sugar and acid. The combination of these two things can be harmful to your teeth and lead to cavities. In addition, kombucha also contains caffeine, which can contribute to tooth staining. So, if you’re looking to promote better oral health, it’s best to avoid kombucha altogether.
5 Foods to Eat for Better Oral Health
It may be difficult to avoid certain foods you’re used to. Fortunately, there are a lot of delicious foods that promote great oral health. Here are five of these foods:
1. Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese
Yogurt, milk, and cheese are all great for your teeth. They contain calcium, which strengthens your teeth and helps prevent cavities. In addition, these foods also help neutralize the acid in your mouth, which can help protect your teeth from damage. All these types of dairy products contain calcium that helps strengthen your teeth.
2. Crunchy Vegetables
Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery are great for your teeth. They help remove plaque from your teeth and gums, and they also stimulate saliva production.
The crunchy texture of these vegetables helps scrub your teeth clean, and the high water content helps keep your mouth hydrated. All these types of vegetables help clean your teeth and promote saliva production.
- Celery
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
3. Nuts
Nuts are a great source of vitamin E, which is important for oral health. Vitamin E helps protect your gums from inflammation and also helps reduce the risk of gum disease. In addition, nuts also contain calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen your teeth. All these nutrients help promote better oral health.
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Pistachios
All these types of nuts contain nutrients that are important for oral health.
4. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are great for your teeth. They contain omega-three fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in your gums. In addition, these fatty acids also help protect your teeth from damage. All these types of fish contain omega-three fatty acids that help promote better oral health.
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Mackerel
- Sardines
5. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are great for your teeth. They contain calcium, which helps strengthen your teeth and prevents cavities. In addition, these leafy greens also contain folic acid, which helps reduce the risk of gum disease. All these nutrients help promote better oral health.
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Swiss chard
These are just a few of the many foods you can eat to promote better oral health. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
When Should You See a Boise Dentist?
It’s important to see a Boise dentist regularly to ensure your oral health is on track. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends seeing a dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup.
During your appointment, your Boise dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of trouble. They will also take X-rays to check for any problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. If you have any concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a Boise dentist. They can help you determine the best course of action to take to maintain or improve your oral health.
Ready to Speak to a Boise Dentist?
If you’re concerned about your teeth and need professional dental care, look no further than Summit Dental Group. Contact us to learn more about our oral care services by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 314-2275 to schedule an appointment.