In a 2019 study by WHO, professionals found that an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by some type of oral disease. That’s a rather large number taking into consideration the world’s population!
But what exactly causes oral disease? Many things, actually. One of which is the presence of excess bacteria between the gums.
Bacteria builds up in the mouth naturally, but if there is too much between the gums, it will start breaking down the teeth. That’s what makes flossing so important!
You can prevent bacteria buildup by avoiding food that is bad for your teeth. Not sure which foods to avoid? Keep reading to learn about eight foods to avoid for better oral health and what to eat for healthy teeth.
- Potato Chips
Potato chips, delicious as they might be, are just little bundles of starch. Starch is a type of sugar found in many carbohydrates. Bacteria loves to feed on sugar—do you see where this is going?
Not only are you feeding yourself when you eat potato chips, but you’re also feeding the bacteria. The residue is also hard to get out of teeth.
- Carbonated Drinks
You’ve probably heard your dentist tell you to avoid soda because it’s bad for your teeth. They’re telling the truth!
Carbonated drinks increase the amount of acid that comes from the plaque on your teeth. The more you drink, the more acid there is to break down your teeth. Dark-colored sodas also stain your teeth, so it’s best to stay away.
- Alcohol
Alcohol severely dries out the mouth, especially when overindulging. Saliva is necessary for a healthy mouth. It’s essentially your body’s natural way to break down bacteria and prevent food from getting stuck.
Abstain from alcohol if you want a healthier mouth. If you do decide to drink, be sure to stay hydrated.
- Pickles
Remember how we said that acid is bad for your teeth? Well, pickles (and other pickled foods) are doused in vinegar, an acid.
These foods are mostly harmless, just be sure to not overdo it. Acid really hurts your teeth. Be sure to brush and use a fluoride rinse afterward.
- Candy
Ah, the one we’ve all been waiting for: candy.
Dentists have said that candy is bad for your teeth for dozens of years now. While some candies and sweets are fine, others are like the worst foods for your teeth. These include caramels, sticky treats, lollipops, jelly beans, and others.
The reason is that the residue from these candies is super adhesive, sticking to your teeth like glue. When they’re stuck, they of course break down tooth enamel.
- Pasta Sauce
Tomatoes are acidic produce items. Like pickles, eating them in heavy amounts can make your mouth susceptible to bad oral health.
This doesn’t mean you have to avoid it entirely! Just monitor the amount of acidic foods going into your mouth.
- Dried Fruits
Fruits are good, right? Yes! But dried fruits are a little different.
Many dried fruits are coated in hefty amounts of sugar. We’ve mentioned how bad sugar can be if left in your teeth for too long. But the thing with dried fruit is that they’re sticky, so getting them out of teeth is even harder.
By the way, if you’re looking for foods for better oral health, there are plenty of them out there! Click on the link for more information.
- Sports Drinks
Again, these drinks are filled with sugar. But since they’re also quite viscous and thick, they stick to your teeth.
You can wash it off with water or brushing, but it’s best to just stick to water for hydration. Some studies have also found that sports drinks don’t actually work as well as we think! So try to limit how often you have one.
More Food That Is Bad For Your Teeth
These are just a few of the foods to avoid for better oral health. Some more include:
- Crackers
- Ice (water is okay, but ice increases teeth sensitivity)
- Bread
- Sweet cakes
- Apple cider vinegar
Instead of these, opt for the best foods for your teeth such as green vegetables and nuts.
Need Additional Information?
Having a good diet for healthy teeth is crucial to your overall health. Avoid this list of food that is bad for your teeth and instead choose the best foods for your teeth.
Need more tips? Visit the health section of our blog!
