Eating and Drinking for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Lois — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 08:00:23 +0000

What you put in your mouth plays a huge roll in your dental health, and although most people know that sugar is bad for teeth, there are some so-called good foods and beverages that can be just as dangerous to your oral health.

Your dentist in Delray Beach recommends avoiding these four foods for healthy teeth and gums.

Sports Energy Drinks Soda and Teeth and Gums

Instead of grabbing an energy or sports drink when you leave the gym, opt for a bottle of water instead. Especially if you care about your teeth and gums. According to Dr. George Sanchez, those energy and sports drinks are loaded with sugar. On top of that, the carbonation is extremely acidic. If you like your soda, you should consider switching as well.

Carbonated drinks encourage your mouth to produce more acid from plaque. If you sip on a can of soda all day, you are literally coating your teeth in acid. If that isn’t bad enough, carbonated soda makes you produce less saliva and can stain your teeth.

Starchy Foods and Teeth and Gums

If you want healthy teeth and gums, cut out bread, pretzels, potato chips, and anything else that contains starch because when you chew starchy foods, the saliva turns into sugar. That gummy pasty substance, known as plaque, will stick between your teeth causing tooth decay. If you are craving carbohydrates, go for whole wheat, which contains less sugar and is less refined.

Citrus Fruits and Teeth and Gums

You may be doing your waistline a favor by consuming tangerines, grapefruits, oranges and Kiwi fruit, but those acidic fruits will damage your teeth. Even tomatoes can cause decay. Because the acid erodes the enamel on your teeth, they are more susceptible to dental caries. Even squeezing lemon into your drinking water will add acid. Try enjoying in moderation or consume during mealtime.

Dried Fruit and Teeth and Gums

Another food that claims to be healthy is dried fruit. Dried fruit is loaded with sugar. On top of that, dried apricots, prune, figs and raisins, are sticky. As a result, they cling to your teeth and leave all of that sugar behind converting it to plaque and acid.

If you enjoy dried fruit, rinse, brush, and floss after you eat. Better still, switch to non-citrus fresh fruits, as they contain less sugar and are better for teeth and gums.

For more information regarding healthy habits for teeth and gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Delray Beach today.