Certain foods and beverages can cause your smile more harm than good.
The foods and drinks that you choose to consume on a regular basis have an important impact on your overall health, as well as the condition of your smile. In order to take care of your general wellness, it is well worth being mindful of your diet. Try to eat plenty of whole foods that are packed with nutrients, and that promote strong teeth and bones. Unfortunately, there are a few foods and beverages that can cause harm to your teeth, and should be avoided or consumed in moderation only. Read on to find out which popular snacks and drinks could be damaging your smile…
1. Refined starchy snacks
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, and starchy snacks like crackers and potato chips, can cause damage to your teeth. These foods contain sugars, which attract harmful bacteria in the mouth. When these bacteria digest the sugars, they produce acids that attack the enamel of the teeth, and increase the risk of tooth decay. These kinds of starchy foods also tend to form a sticky paste when they have been chewed, which means that they can get stuck in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, giving bacteria plenty of time to feed and contribute to an acidic oral environment.
2. Sugary foods and drinks
Sugary foods and drinks feed the harmful bacteria in the mouth, which leads to the production of harmful acids that weaken and damage the enamel. For this reason, it is important to limit your consumption of added sugar. Some of the worst culprits include candy (especially hard, sticky and sour types); sugary drinks like soda; and baked goods that are high in both sugar and refined carbohydrates. When it comes to sugary drinks specifically, the effect on the teeth is twofold — beverages like sodas are both sweet and acidic, which means that they can cause some serious dental erosion.
3. Fruit juice
Although fruit juice is packed with nutrients and is certainly a healthier alternative to sugary sodas, it can cause some damage to your teeth. This is because fruit juice tends to be acidic, and can cause erosion of the enamel if it is consumed too often. Some of the most acidic fruit juice flavours include orange, lemon, apple and grape. Try to drink water instead of juice to reduce your risk of cavities and enamel damage.
4. Alcoholic drinks
Many alcoholic drinks are made with added sugar and acidic ingredients like lemon juice, and are not great when it comes to your dental health. In fact, alcohol in general has some detrimental effects on one’s overall health, and has been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer. This is because it has an impact on the permeability of the mouth’s lining, which makes this area more susceptible to certain substances that promote the development of cancer.
Alcoholic drinks also tend to dry the mouth out and increase the acidity levels in the mouth. These factors can contribute to a range of oral health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease and mouth sores.
How can we help?
At City Smiles, we love to help our patients maintain beautiful and healthy smiles for life. We understand that factors like lifestyle habits and dietary choices play a big part in one’s oral health, which is why our team is available to provide you with information and advice. If you have any questions or concerns about the condition of your smile, we encourage you to come in and see us.
Our team offers a comprehensive range of dental services, including general, cosmetic, restorative, dentofacial and emergency treatments. To find out more about our services, please have a look here.
To make an appointment at City Smiles in Melbourne, give us a call on 03 9654 6979 or contact us here.
