Here at Royal Dental Care, we advise our patients that avoiding sugar can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. A diet that is rich in healthy foods can also promote dental wellness. However, some foods can actually damage your teeth, gums, and overall dental health. In fact, many foods that you think are good for you, can actually break down tooth enamel, create dangerous acids, or make your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay. Other foods may stick to your teeth, attract bacteria, dislodge fillings, break teeth, or stain your enamel. Here are ten foods you should avoid for the optimal health of your teeth:
1. Juices And Citrus Products
Fruits, juices, and citrus products may pack a lot of healthy vitamins, but they are also highly acidic. Over time, these products can weaken tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
2. Sugary Foods
Dangerous bacteria in your mouth use sugary foods as fuel. When you consume too much, bacteria gathers around teeth and forms plaque.
3. Coffee
Coffee is another beverage that people never suspect the dangers of. This beverage may be tasty, but it also leaves stains on teeth, attracts bacteria and can result in excessive plaque build up.
4. Tomato Products
Sauces, juices, and products made from tomato are highly acidic and can soften tooth enamel.
5. Foods And Beverages That Can Stain
Foods and drinks like wine, tea, berries, sports drinks, and cola stain teeth, cause enamel to more easily erode, and cause cavities.
6. Pickled Food
Pickled foods are soaked in vinegar brine which makes them very acidic. This acid can then de-mineralize teeth, and make them vulnerable to decay.
7. Chewable Vitamins
Chewable vitamins are very dangerous because they have high levels of sugars and acids which attract bacteria, collect plaque, and erode enamel.
8. Nuts And Extra Crunchy Food
Foods that are extra crunchy can crack teeth, dislodge fillings, and cause tooth sensitivity. Over time, this can cause cavities and the need for major dental care.
9. Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates rapidly turn into starches when they make contact with saliva in your mouth. Starchy foods also can get stuck between teeth, leading to plaque buildup and cavities.
10. Sticky Foods
Pieces of sticky foods remaining on teeth can attract bacteria, and allow plaque to build on your teeth. Over time, if these layers of plaque are not removed, cavities can form.
Avoiding the above foods and drinks is best, but if you cannot, here are some great ways to help keep teeth clean and healthy:
●Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after sugary or acidic drinks.
●Drink water or swish some around your mouth after eating.
●Use a straw to limit liquid contact with your teeth.
●Drink water or milk after sugar drinks or foods.
●Eat cheese after eating pickled or sour foods.
●Chew sugar-free gum.
●Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash several times a day.
●Floss teeth at least once a day and after meals.
●Take vitamins in capsule form instead of chewable.
If you have experienced the damages from dangerous foods and beverages first hand, then you know how bad tooth loss can make you feel. The good news is that dental implants are a great way to get your smile back in tip-top shape. Moreover, filling in gaps between your teeth can reduce areas where plaque and bacteria might collect. Dental implants are also resistant to acids, decay, plaque, and bacteria. Additionally, your dental implant will never need a root canal. However, this does not mean that patients should slack off on their brushing and flossing duties. Regular brushing and flossing are still the best way to care for your real teeth as well as your dental implants. Additionally, keeping your implant area clean is the most efficient way to avoid complications like gum disease and dental implant failure.
Dental implants are just one of the great products we offer our valued patients at Royal Dental Care. If you live in the Hoffman Estates or Norridge, IL areas, you might be able to restore your smile and your self-confidence in just a few short visits with Dr. Troyan. We can’t wait to help you begin your journey to a beautiful and healthy smile, so give us a call now to get started!
Dr. Peter Troyan
1224 N Roselle Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60195
Current Patients:
847-855-7645
New Patients:
847-453-3099
Dr. Peter Troyan
Royal Dental Care
7601 W Montrose Ave. Suite 2
Norridge, IL 60706
Current Patients:
773-589-1062
New Patients:
773-673-5574