When it comes to maintaining proper oral health, it’s not only about going to the dentist regularly, brushing, and flossing, but it’s also about being mindful of what you eat. Did you know that certain foods can impact your teeth that they cause plaque and other serious damages? Since almost every dental problem starts with plaque, how do you prevent it from forming? One of the most effective preventions is to (as much as possible!) avoid certain foods that can lead to these problems. 

In this article, we will share five consumables that you must avoid if you want healthier teeth:

1. Bread

If you enjoy your toast in the morning and your grilled cheese at night, you might want to cut back a little on it. When you chew bread, your saliva will break the bread into sugar that will turn into a gummy, paste-like substance. Such substance will get into the crevices between teeth and cause cavities. Additionally, bread is carbs, so if you avoid or limit it, you could also lose weight – it's a win-win situation!

2. Sour Candies

Candies are bad for your teeth, which is a given, but sour candy is actually a whole different story. Why? This type of sweet contains various types of acids that are tougher than your teeth. Moreover, since they’re chewy, they can stick to the teeth longer, which can inadvertently cause decay. 

3. Alcohol

Too much alcohol consumption is unhealthy because of the many adverse effects it brings to the body. When it comes to oral health, do you notice that every time you drink alcohol that it dries your mouth? A dry mouth isn’t a good thing; this means there’s not enough saliva to keep your teeth healthy. 

Keep in mind that your saliva is essential to your oral health because it prevents food from sticking to the teeth, and at the same time, it can wash away food particles. Keep your mouth hydrated, but if you have to drink, make sure you consume plenty of water in between and after drinking!

4. Ice

Chewing ice may be satisfying for many people, but if you frequently do this, you could eventually harm your teeth! Ice is hard, and it can damage your teeth’s enamel that will make you at higher risk of getting chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. If you have crowns, too much ice chewing can loosen them, which could send you on an emergency run to your dentist. There’s nothing wrong with adding ice to your beverages; just don’t chew them!

5. Citrus

Sure, citrus fruits are tasty and good for your health. However, they are not all that good for your teeth due to its high acid content. Since they’re high in acidity, they can erode the enamel that will make the teeth more vulnerable to decay. For this reason, if you want to get your antioxidants, make sure to eat them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward. 

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy teeth is crucial for your oral health. Aside from that, they are beautiful when they’re strong, which will also save you from frequent dental treatments. For this reason, be sure to limit your consumption of the consumables mentioned above, especially if any of these is the cause of your damaged teeth or tooth decay. 

You can also ask your dentist about foods and beverages you need to cut down to help maintain healthy teeth. 

For the best-rated dentist in Murfreesboro, TN, who can take care of your oral health, choose our experts at Cosmetic Dentistry of Murfreesboro. We offer a wide range of dental services that will ensure pearly whites for you. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment!