Various foods and snacks we consume throughout the day can present greater risks than others for ailments such as tooth decay or gum disease. Although the best option in preventing any oral health care disasters from occurring continues to be a daily upkeep in our oral hygiene habits, it is also important to cut risks off at the source before they even have a chance to enter your mouth. Here are a few types of foods to watch out for and what not to eat to keep your smile shining:
Fermentable carbohydrates: Fermentable carbohydrates are carbs that be broken down in our mouths into acids that can eat away at our tooth enamel. These include nearly all types of sugar such as high fructose corn syrup as well as starchy items such as donuts and white bread.
Sugary Sweets: Sugar is used by bad bacteria in our mouths and converted into acids which can eat away at our tooth enamel. Foods packed with sugar include candy, soft drinks, juices, cookies, cakes, sports drinks, and various snacks.
Acidic Foods: Many types of sour candy have a pH level comparable to battery acid, so avoidance of them is a must. In addition, even some healthy foods can be extremely acidic, such as lemons and oranges, so be sure to eat them with meals to dilute the acids in them.
Sticky or Hard Snacks: Sticky candy such as taffy or gummies, along with hard candy such as candy canes and lollipops can damage our teeth or can be difficult to remove via daily cleaning habits. Other easily stuck foods in our mouths include popcorn, various meat products, caramels, peanut butter, and jelly.
Don’t let bad habits ruin your smile. If you need an oral exam or professional cleaning by our dentist at Always Dental Care or would like to book an appointment with Dr. Truong Nguyen, call us at 484.392.7687, to schedule a visit to our office in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. We look forward to making your smile the best it can be!