Many people try their best to avoid foods that can damage their teeth. Sugars are often the number one culprit and are cut out of diets constantly to avoid tooth decay. While sugary candies can lead to tooth decay, many of the other damaging foods are less known.
As your trusted Hernando, MS dental office, Desoto Family Dental Care is here to help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. While we can provide our high-quality dental services to patients in the greater Memphis area, it is up to you to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes not only brushing and flossing your teeth, but also avoiding foods that can damage your teeth. Speaking of which, here are a few unexpected foods that can do so.
Dried Fruits
Much like sticky, sugary candies, dried fruits can damage your teeth. The sugar content in dried fruits is cause for concern alone, however, their sticky nature also raises a red flag in regards to tooth decay. Sticky foods can get lodged in between teeth which can make it difficult to remove.
Bacteria in your mouth will then feed off of the high sugar content in the dried fruits. This can lead to a host of unwanted diseases and can even cause tooth decay. Next time you find yourself reaching for a bag of dried fruits, consider having fresh fruit as a snack instead. In fact, apples have been shown to help clean teeth while you eat them, making them a healthier alternative to dried fruits.
Coffee
Acidic foods and drinks can eat away at the enamel on your teeth and coffee has a high acidity level. Additionally, sugar and cream additives in coffee can only increase the risk of tooth decay and cutting them out of your morning cup of joe can help lower these risks.
Of course, coffee does present a number of health benefits. From high antioxidant levels to increased energy levels, coffee can be beneficial. However, to get the best use out of it, you should drink it straight black and limit yourself to one or two cups a day. Don’t forget to brush your teeth after you have finished your cup of coffee though as it can stain your teeth over time, leaving you with a dull smile.
Bread
Bread, crackers, and other refined carbohydrates can have devastating effects on your teeth. These simple carbohydrates may seem innocent, but they can get stuck in hard-to-reach places in your mouth. Carbohydrates break down to sugars, which bacteria will feed off of and grow. This can lead to tooth decay, which will require a dental visit to correct.
Of course, bread is one of our staple foods so cutting it out entirely is not essential. It is important, however, to brush thoroughly to remove and any bits that have gotten stuck in between your teeth. Rinsing your mouth after a meal can also help loosen pieces of bread.
Protect your Teeth with Desoto Family Dental Care
Even if you practice the best oral hygiene habits possible, you are sure to run into issues at some point. If you are in need of a dental checkup, or any of the dental services we offer in our Hernando, MS dental office, you can contact us here or call us 662.429.5239 to schedule an appointment today!