Foods That Are Bad for Your Teeth

While it's always important to brush and floss your teeth regularly, you might need to give them a little extra care after eating certain foods. Sugary foods are the ones that people are commonly told to avoid for healthier teeth, but there are other foods that are just as bad or possibly even worse. These foods can cause tooth decay, which can lead to tooth loss or other health issues that require a trip to the dentist's office. Avoid or limit the following types of food in order to lower your risk of tooth decay.

PROCESSED CARBS

This includes white bread, crackers, potato chips and other foods that are considered simple carbs. When you already have plaque buildup on your teeth, bacteria feeds on the sugar in these carbs and raises your risk of decay. Bits of these foods can also get stuck between your teeth, leading to even more plaque buildup.

CITRUS FRUITS

Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, provide plenty of nutritional benefits, but it's important to watch how much of them you eat. These fruits contain high amounts of acid, which wears away the protective covering of enamel on your teeth. When enamel erodes, your teeth don't have as much protection from the bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

STICKY FOODS

Foods that are sticky, such as dried fruits or caramel, are among the worst kinds for your teeth. These foods can end up sticking to the surface of your teeth for a long time, which increases your risk of tooth decay.

ICE

Chewing on ice might seem harmless, but it can cause big problems for your teeth. Biting down on ice can ruin tooth enamel, making your teeth more prone to decay. Ice can also cause your teeth to become more brittle and could cause other problems, such as losing a crown or even breaking a tooth.

KEEPING TEETH CLEAN

After eating foods that can raise your risk of tooth decay, it's important to brush and floss as soon as possible and drink plenty of water. Drinking water helps flush bits of foods off your teeth and out from between them, while brushing and flossing help reduce plaque buildup.

If you're due for a checkup at the dentist office or if you've been experiencing tooth problems,contact Great Lake Dental Arts. We also offer other dental services, including tooth whitening, implants and porcelain veneers.