Let’s be honest, we all love the drive-thru at Starbucks now and then, eagerly anticipating our delectable lattes, mochas, and pastries. It’s not often that we tally up the amount of sugar and incriminating bacteria invading our mouths from these and other types of delicious drinks and foods. Even if you don’t crave refined sugar and consider yourself a healthy eater, you are most likely consuming some foods that still cause plaque build-up and tooth decay. Hopefully, this article will offer you more insight into what to consume in moderation vs. what will strengthen your pearly whites! Here are some drinks and foods you should consider to consume in moderation for avoiding tooth decay:
Coffee
Who doesn’t love a warm, steaming cup of coffee in the morning? Unfortunately, coffee is not only acidic, but it stains your gorgeous teeth. Some people enjoy their coffee black, but most people sweeten it up with sugar which causes those cavities. If you need some caffeine throughout the week, unsweetened coffee would be a better choice as well as rinsing your mouth with water! Something to consider would be swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. It has been known to lift and eliminate coffee stains leaving a natural whitening effect. Oil pulling offers a multitude of other benefits including the strengthening of the teeth, gums, and jaw, and help fight off that pesky coffee breath!
Red Wine
Because red wine is known to be extremely acidic, it weakens the enamel of your teeth. This can easily cause extreme tooth sensitivity and the formation of chips and cracks. While it may reduce your risk of a heart attack and boost your mood, the deep color can cause teeth staining and migraines. However, here is a fun fact: Red wine has more antioxidants than white wine and is less acidic. During those sips, think of these tips! Brush and floss before drinking because this can reduce the chance of the wine sticking to the plaque of your teeth. Munch on little snacks to help counterbalance the acids from the wine. Drink that water in between those gulps, I mean sips.
Juice and Sports Drinks
There is nothing like freshly squeezed fruit juice! It’s rejuvenating and natural. A few perks to drinking freshly squeezed juice is that there is less processed sugar and preservatives. This is just what your teeth are begging for! Unfortunately, most fruit juices and sports drinks, like Gatorade or Powerade, are loaded with Dextrose or High Fructose Corn Syrup. Dextrose can cause high blood sugar and swelling in the lungs. Too much High Fructose Corn Syrup can lead to swelling, obesity, and heart disease. These are cheap sugar alternatives and your body will pull minerals from your teeth and bones in order to restore balance. Stick to liquids that come from the Earth including water!
Both Regular and Diet Sodas
A combination of the acid, sugar, and carbonation in different sodas weaken tooth enamel and cause bacterial growth. Sodas create the optimal environment for tooth decay because of their high sugar content and acidic additives. Again, hydrate yourself with that H2O!
Sugary Foods
We all know that consuming excessive amounts of sugar damages teeth. Sugary foods invite bad bacteria that cause gingivitis and gum disease. The acids weaken tooth enamel as well. However, I know that we all enjoy a little sugary fun once in a while.
Candy and other Sweets
As you know, candy and sweets scream sugar! Sugar normally reacts with plaque bacteria to cause acid. Unfortunately, tooth decay is induced from this acid. It weakens tooth enamel and causes those painful cavities. Since excessive sugar can cause gum disease and tooth decay, avoiding it can help you maintain healthier teeth over a longer period of time and avoid tooth decay.
The following sugary delights should be consumed in moderation:
- Dried Fruit
- Ice Cream
- Cake
- Donuts
- Fudge
- Milkshakes
- Pudding
- Brownies
- Cereal Bars
Acidic Foods
Too many acidic foods also weaken enamel and cause cavities or infection. The surface of teeth can be softened by acid also known as erosive tooth wear. While anything in moderation is okay, try to stay away from too much acidity consumption.
Lemons
Let’s focus on lemons because these fruits are often the first that come to mind when we think of the word acid. The bitterness of this fruit is evident and unique compared to others. While lemons do offer health benefits such as boosting your immune system, improving your complexion, and combating nervous system issues, brushing your teeth right after eating one is not the best idea. The acids can be scrubbed into your teeth, subsequently, weakening your enamel.
For avoiding tooth decay, the following acidic snacks should be consumed in moderation:
- Pickles
- Cranberries
- Tomato Products
- Citrus Fruits (Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits, Oranges, Tangerines).
- Vinegar
- Jam
Starchy Foods
When starches mix with plaque, acids form. Once the starches stick to your teeth, the bacteria are energized! Also, it’s probably not often that you think of the term sugar when you hear the word starch. Something to consider, potato chips are doing just about the same damage to your teeth as candy! Carbohydrates team up with the bacteria in your mouth to create the inevitable tooth decay. The sugars in your favorite sweet treats work in just the same way. Make sure to consume water after eating starchy snacks to wash out leftover sugars and reduce tooth decay.
Bread and Pasta
Can you taste the garlic bread and creamy pasta yet? The last thing you want stuck between your teeth is pasta and bread. These starchy substances break down into sugar. The sugar will have a hay day wearing away at your pearly whites. These foods can cause tooth decay and gingivitis. The starches and carbs love to feed off of the dental bacteria.
The following starchy snacks should be consumed in moderation:
- Pasta
- Potatoes
- White Bread
- Rice
- Potato Chips
- Cereal
- Pretzels
What Can You Consume To Strengthen Your Teeth?
- Consume Fatty Fish. Fish provides vitamin D, calcium, and omega 3 acids that offer gum health!
- Drink Plenty of Water! Acids are diluted from water, protecting your teeth in the end.
- Nuts and Seeds. Almonds provide calcium and protein to strengthen enamel.
- Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt (without sugar). Put minerals back into enamel.
- Vegetables. Eat your leafy greens especially! They are high in calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Luckily, saliva production is increased by fiber eliminating bacteria.
- Unsweetened Green Tea. Reduces gum inflammation and stimulates saliva production.
- Garlic. Believe it or not, a compound in garlic called, Allicin, keeps tooth decaying bacteria from overgrowing in the mouth.
- Crispy Fruits and Raw Vegetables. What do you think helps clean plaque from your teeth and freshens your breath? You are right! Apples, carrots and celery!
- Strawberries. speaking of fruits, did you know strawberries are a natural tooth whitener? Strawberries contain Malic Acid, an organic compound that whitens our teeth!
Empower Your Smile: Take Charge of Your Dental Health Today!
We hope this article helped you understand more about the foods and drinks that cause tooth decay versus the meals that strengthen your teeth. Try your best to consume starches, sugar, and acidic foods/drinks in moderation. You will be doing your body and your canines a favor. Make sure to hone in on the items that strengthen your teeth or even help to diminish mouth issues like coconut oil! We are here to support you in making great choices and avoiding tooth decay! Please feel free to call us: 815-725-5991. Shorewood Family Dental Care is here to help your mouth feel healthy and strong.
