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Do you know the food we eat can affect our oral health? While some foods can strengthen our teeth and improve our oral health, eating sugary, starchy foods and drinks and not brushing and flossing daily can cause several oral diseases. Read on to have an idea about certain foods and beverages that can harm our oral health:

• Sugary Foods

Unfortunately, sugar contributes to tooth decay. When bacteria in your mouth break down sugar, acid is produced that eats away at the enamel. That’s why it’s best to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

• Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can be harmful to your teeth because they can stick to your teeth. This can be a problem because the sticky material can eventually seep into your teeth, causing cavities. This is especially common with caramel, chewy candies, and dried fruit.

• Starchy Foods

It’s true that acidic foods can erode your enamel. However, sour candies, citrus juices, and sodas aren’t the only foods you should be wary of. The worst foods for your oral health are those that are starchy, sticky, and contain sugars. Starches and sugars can cling to your teeth, encouraging bacteria to stick around and multiply. The bacteria produce acids that wear away at your enamel. Whenever possible, choose snacks that are low in sugar and starch. Starchy foods include pasta, bread, potatoes, chips, crackers, and more.

• Dry Foods

Dry foods, like crackers, chips, and cookies, are all high in carbohydrates, which promote tooth decay by feeding oral bacteria. Similarly, candies like hard suckers, gummy bears, and caramels should be eaten in moderation.

• Hard Foods

Hard foods, like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, can be damaging to teeth. Not only can they chip or crack a tooth, but they can also cause the tooth to shift, potentially leading to bite problems. When biting down, a hard food may cause teeth to clench together, potentially causing damage to them.

• Tobacco Products

Tobacco products are definitely the worst foods for oral health. In addition to the foul smell, tobacco is also terribly addictive. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer, gum disease, bad breath, stained teeth, and much, much more.

For smokers, it’s important to quit as soon as possible because the effects will accumulate over time. However, if you’re already a smoker, it’s also important to keep up with regular dental checkups.

• Alcohol Products

Alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and liquor, can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Alcohol dries out your mouth, which is bad for your oral health. Additionally, most alcoholic beverages contain added sugars, which feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities. If you can’t live without your favorite alcoholic beverage, consider drinking it with a meal. This helps limit the amount of time the beverage stays on your teeth.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Solace Dental, call (630) 759-3595 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 287 N Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, IL, 60490.