Which Are the Most Damaging Foods To Our Teeth?

Many people fail to recognize the importance of keeping their teeth healthy. To many people’s surprise, the mouth is a health hub that can have effects on the rest of the body. Keeping our oral hygiene up to scratch is key if you want to live a problem-free life without oral health complications, and also to avoid other problems such as digestive issues. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the most damaging foods to our teeth.

What we consume is one of the best ways to measure the health of our mouth, and maintain its hygienic properties. So many foods that are being produced today are extremely processed and filled with high levels of sugars meaning that we are seeing more dental problems today as a result of food than we have ever seen before. Nutrition is important not only for our overall health but also for the health of our teeth.

If you are wondering what foods you should be keeping a close eye on, take a look at the most damaging foods that can affect your teeth if over-consumed:

Alcohol 

First of all, we have alcohol, which should come as no surprise as it is damaging to our health. It is however important to point out how bad the effects of alcohol are on our teeth, and many dental problems can be directly linked to the overconsumption of alcohol. This is because alcohol leads to the dryness of the mouth which limits the level of saliva that is present in our mouths. An un-hydrated mouth can lead to many problems such as gum disease, and tooth decay which can have irreversible effects if not treated. Stay away from regular alcohol consumption if you wish to maintain the health of your mouth.

Starchy Foods – Most Damaging Foods

Starchy foods such as chips, potatoes, and other snacks we consume regularly can be the most damaging foods for our teeth. Starch eventually turns into sugar once consumed, and if these particles are left in our mouths it can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay if the habit is kept up. People with braces or Invisalign aligners are especially warned about foods that get stuck between the teeth, as they can cause problems when their teeth are trying to heal. Make sure that after every starchy meal, you floss or brush your teeth properly or else these foods can be the most damaging foods to your teeth.

Fizzy Drinks

On the topic of sugars, it should not be a shock that fizzy drinks are one of the most damaging foods and liquids for our teeth. People who consume regular sugar drinks usually have high levels of acid and sugar in their mouths, and this leads to regular plaque build-up and also tooth decay. Limit your sugary drink intake as much as possible if you want to avoid any long-term problems.

Coffee

Coffee is a strong culprit for staining our teeth. Tooth stains are not only damaging to our natural enamel, but they are very unsightly to others when looking at your teeth. If you regularly drink coffee, aim to brush your teeth well as soon as you are finished drinking to avoid any possible staining.

Good Practises

Whilst it might be impossible to avoid some foods together and you should not restrict yourself, you should include good hygiene practices to avoid further problems from developing. Here are just a few key hygiene practices you should incorporate after eating unhealthy foods:

• Brush your teeth twice a day – Brush as soon as you have finished your morning coffee, and make sure it is the last thing you do before you go to bed.
• Floss after meals – Flossing after meals will prevent the food particle residue from building up and causing plaque.
• Regularly visit your dentist – Complete checkups every 6 months to detect any early signs of decay or cavities, as treating the problems early will avoid any long-term issues.

In conclusion, the most damaging foods we eat can have a significant impact on the health of our teeth. While it may not be realistic to cut out all the most damaging foods from our diet, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to minimize the damage. This includes practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that our teeth stay healthy and strong for years to come.