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) 649-6446 for an appointment in our Greenacres office.
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