Some of your favorite foods are not the best foods for your teeth and gums such as your morning cup of coffee and sweets. It is much better to choose to eat fruits and vegetables than processed foods that are high in sugar and starches. The worst foods for your teeth are sticky sugary foods, and acidic foods and beverages. Here are some foods you should stay away from:
Coffee: Not only does coffee stain your teeth, it makes them sticky allowing food debris and harmful bacteria to remain on them for long periods of time.
Alcohol: Alcohol dries your mouth and irritates your oral mucosa.
Sugary Drinks: Sodas and fruit juices are high in sugar and acids.
Starchy foods: Foods such as bread, crackers, Twinkies, etc., are broken down into sugars in your mouth.
Hard Candies: Sticky, sugary hard candies take a long time to dissolve while coating your mouth with sugar for long periods of time.
Dried fruits: Dried fruits are also sticky and high in sugar.
Acidic foods: Acidic foods and beverages such as diet soda, citrus fruits, and tomatoes eat away at your tooth enamel.
If you cannot avoid eating these foods, rinsing with water afterward, or brushing your teeth as soon possible after eating can help keep decay at bay.
Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.
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