The dietary choices you make day to day can have a significant impact on the way that your smile looks and feels. Our O’Fallon dentists are here to give you the information you need to make the best decisions for your smile. Keep reading to learn more about the foods and drinks that affect oral health.
- Sugary Treats
Foods and beverages that contain a lot of sugar can quickly cause oral health problems, ranging from bad breath, to cavities, to gum disease. Remember that oral bacteria use sugar as fuel to grow and multiply. Products with a lot of refined carbohydrates are likewise problematic, since these carbs break down into sugar.
- Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acid is unhealthy for your smile because dental enamel is temporarily softer when it is exposed to acid. Say, for example, that you indulge in a sour candy; your enamel will remain softer than normal for about twenty to thirty minutes after you finish eating. Obviously, during this time your teeth are more susceptible to damage and infection. Popular acidic foods include citrus fruits, tomato products, wine, coffee, and sour treats. Additionally, you want to limit any foods or drinks that give you acid reflux, since reflux brings stomach acids up into your throat.
- Dark Liquids & Sauces
If a food or beverage is richly colored, then it is probably capable of leaving color deposits on your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, chocolate, and more are common culprits when it comes to staining. In order to minimize your chance of developing discoloration, make sure to rinse your mouth vigorously with water after snacks and meals. Your dentist can also give you guidance on any whitening toothpastes or mouth rinses that may be appropriate for you.
To protect your smile, you really want to minimize your consumption of potentially harmful substances. And when you do indulge, it can be a good idea to rinse your smile directly after you eat or drink. Give our O’Fallon dentists a call to learn more!