The foods and drinks we consume have a strong impact on our oral health. Read on to learn which foods and drinks increase your chances of getting a cavity. There are certain foods and drinks that increase the risk of cavities. It is important to understand how your diet can affect the health of your enamel so you can take precautions to protect your teeth through smart dietary choices.
The basic rule is that foods and drinks that are high in sugar and other refined carbohydrates increase the risk of cavities. The following is a more detailed look at the different foods and drinks that can contribute to cavity formation.
Alcohol is known to contribute to dry mouth. When the mouth is dry — meaning there is a lack of saliva inside the mouth — bacteria have the opportunity to flourish. This can lead to acidic attacks on teeth and, consequently, cavities. As a result, it is encouraged to limit the consumption of alcohol as much as possible. When consuming alcohol, take precautions to reduce the risk of dry mouth by staying well hydrated.
Soft drinks and other carbonated beverages can also increase the likelihood of a harmful acidic attack on dental enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. In addition, soft drinks, much like other dark beverages such as coffee and tea, increase the likelihood of stained teeth, as well.
Citrus fruits have certain general health benefits, but they are no friend to tooth enamel. This is due to the fact that even the natural sugar found in these fruits can attack the dental enamel by combining with bacteria to cause the acidic reactions that are so harmful to teeth. While citrus fruits are okay in moderation, it is important to understand how they impact oral health and take precautions to prevent them from harming the enamel.
Bread, along with chips, pasta, and other foods high in starch and other refined carbohydrates, can harm teeth when consumed too regularly as well. Bread may not seem as harmful as citrus fruits, alcohol, and soft drinks, but they can have an equally detrimental impact on the health of dental enamel.
Last but most certainly not least, candies are one of the worst possible things to consume when it comes to cavity prevention. Candies that are high in sugar, in particular, are bad for teeth and should be avoided as much as possible. If you do consume candy that is high in sugar, then be sure to practice good oral hygiene afterward by brushing and flossing.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help prevent the development of cavities, or if you have signs of weakened or eroded enamel, then call our dental office today. We are glad to help you achieve good long-term oral health and prevent cavities, gum disease, and other more common oral health complications.
Request an appointment here: https://lakeworth-dentistry.com/ or call Lake Worth Dentistry at (561) 816-2738 for an appointment in our Greenacres office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cavity in Greenacres, FL.
Selecting the appropriate dentist is critical for good dental health. This comprehensive guide will take you step-by-step through finding the best dentist in Greenacres. By considering your specific needs, researching dentists, assessing dental offices, and evaluating communication and comfort, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and provides you with top-notch…
Halloween, with its jack-o'-lanterns, costumes, and haunted houses, is a time for family fun and sweet treats. While it's tempting to indulge in all the sugary delights, it's crucial to balance the fun of Halloween with good oral health practices. In this blog, we will discuss the potential threats to your teeth during this spooky…
Your general dentist is the right person to see when you need restorative work on your teeth. You can suffer tooth loss, which requires immediate attention. Other common problems that dentists treat include chipped, broken, or cracked teeth. These can all be both cosmetic and health concerns. Fortunately, your dentist has some options on how…
For patients who have been avoiding seeing a general dentist because of fear or apprehension, it may be helpful to know that they are not alone. A 2015 study published in Dental Research Journal found that 58.8% of dental patients surveyed experienced dental anxiety. For patients with severe dental phobia, there are several steps they…