9 Worst Food for Your Teeth

As a general rule, stickier the food, more it will last in oral cavity. Sugary food increases bacteria production in our mouth which form plaque on teeth. Utilizing sugars, these bacteria produce acids. Acids start causing decay of the  enamel layer of tooth and formation of cavities. Let us have a look a top nine worst foods for your dental health.

• Chocolates

Chocolates contain different kinds of sugars and additives which increases the production of cavity forming bacteria. Chocolate sticks to the teeth and lasts in the oral cavity for a longer duration, which gives the bacteria an opportunity to damage teeth. The trick to enjoying chocolates is – to not eat a lot of them together in a short span of time, but instead to spread it out over a gap of 3-4 hours.  This keeps the pH level of saliva normal and prevents excess production of decay producing bacteria. After having chocolate, rinse you mouth carefully with water so that no sticky chocolate stays on your teeth.

• Candies and toffees

Candies contain different kinds of acids. These are sticky and chewable. Easily sticks to teeth, stays for longer duration in mouth and more likely to cause  decay.

• Breads and cakes

Whenever we chew bread or cake, it  forms a gummy paste on our teeth. If not removed,  it sticks on tooth. It can stay in the mouth for a long duration, giving the best of environments for bacteria residing in your mouth to grow.  Rinsing mouth after every food is important and prevent sticking of food to the teeth.

• Sodas and Soft drinks

Sodas and soft drinks contain acids which cause enamel erosion. Enamel erosion is the process in which acids dissolves the protective layer of tooth enamel.  In long term, teeth get damaged this damage makes teeth sensitive. Dark sodas also stain teeth. You can use a straw to drink sodas so that teeth get bypassed. You can have food along with sodas so that acids get neutralized.

• Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and sweet limes contain acids which can erode teeth, making them more prone to decay.. To neutralize their acidic content, you can have them along with meals or right before meals.  Remember, rinsing with water after having any food item also helps in  neutralizing the acids.

• Potato chips / banana chips

The crunch of potato / banana chip is eternally satisfying to all of us! Unfortunately, they are loaded with starch which get converted to sugars and sticks to teeth and in between teeth. This loaded carbohydrate  feeds bacteria in the plaque and there is more acid production,  increasing the  chances of tooth decay. After having chips, snacks rinse mouth carefully.

• Ice

Ice contain water so what’s the harm in chewing it? Ice is hard and chewing on it actually can damage enamel, resulting in chipped off and broken sensitive teeth. It can even cause damage to your tooth fillings and crowns. So avoid direct chewing on ice and other hard food. Use ice only to chill your drinks.

• Alcohol

Alcohol have many negative effects on our body as you must be aware. One of the side effect after having alcohol is that it dries the mouth.  Saliva helps to clean teeth and avoid sticking of food to teeth. Dry mouth is vulnerable to teeth decay, gingival infections. Drinking plenty of water can keep your mouth hydrated.

• Dry fruits

What? Dry Fruits? How it can be? As you know they are dry, contain sugars in them and they are stickier to teeth. Any food that remain stick to your teeth can damage your teeth. So after having dry fruits don’t forget to rinse well with water. Avoid and limit these foods from your diet for your good oral health. Rinse your mouth after every meal. Follow a regular oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist at least once a year.