COVID-19 has given everyone a lot more to worry about these days, so the last thing you need in your life right now is a dental emergency. Contrary to popular belief, good brushing habits and regular cleanings aren’t the only things required to protect your teeth from unexpected dental problems. What you eat actually plays a big role too because some foods can do more damage to your teeth than others. Read on to find out which foods you should be limiting in your diet to avoid a dental emergency.
1. Sodas
Soda can damage your teeth in a number of ways. The large amount of sugar in a single serving fuels the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Additionally, the drink’s acidic nature weakens the enamel layer of your teeth.
2. Sticky Candies
Sweets like gummy bears and licorice have an easier time getting lodged in the spaces between your teeth. When they get stuck, bacteria have ample time to reach the sugars inside them and start causing tooth decay.
3. Crackers
You’ve probably never heard anyone say a cracker is bad for your teeth, but they actually are. Most crackers are made up of simple sugars called carbohydrates, which bacteria use as fuel to damage the teeth.
4. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is sticky and filled with sugar, which makes it an ideal food source for the decay causing bacteria in your mouth. They can feast on the little bits lingering on your teeth for hours, breaking down the enamel in the process.
5. Alcoholic Beverages
For many people, a can of beer or a glass of wine at the end of the day helps take the edge off. Unfortunately, they can make your teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay. Alcohol dries out your mouth, removing the natural saliva that protects your teeth.
6. Ice
While chewing on an ice cube can be relaxing on a hot day, it can actually do a lot of damage to your teeth. The amount of force required to break the cubes may cause small fractures in your teeth. When chewed, the cubes can break into sharp pieces that can cause cuts in your gum tissue as well.
Some foods do have the power to improve the health of your teeth. They do this by being low in sugar and easy to remove. These foods include:
To keep dental emergencies out of your life, you need to think about how the food you eat affects your teeth. If you find that you have a diet full of foods that are bad for your teeth, try switching things up with healthier options. Doing so will help improve the longevity and vitality of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Benjamin Naylor completed dental school at the Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in Utah, where he specialized in dental surgery. He is proud to use his expertise to help get patients of all ages out of pain during an emergency. If you think that you might currently have a serious dental issue, you can reach out to him on his website or at 541-345-5363.
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