Your smile is often the first thing that people notice about you, and it plays an important part in your overall well-being. The better you maintain your oral health, the less likely you will experience problems with your teeth and gums.
However, there is a lot more to it than simply brushing and flossing. What we eat and drink also contributes significantly to the condition of our smile.
Interested in learning more? Below we are going to discuss eight common foods and drinks that you should stay clear of, or at least, limit.
Sticky Candies
Chewy and sticky candies, such as caramels cling to your teeth for long periods of time. Bacteria often thrive, because you are unable to brush effectively.
Over time, you’ll experience cavities and an increase in dental plaque. Instead, opt for sugar-free gum or fresh fruit if you’re craving something sweet.
Check out how to get rid of black plaque on teeth if you’re experiencing problems. The right treatment will help you get on top of the issue before it causes further harm.
Soda Drinks
Soda may taste delicious, but they are one of the worst drinks for your teeth. Since they are extremely acidic, they erode your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities. On top of this, most brands are loaded with sugar – a big contributor to tooth decay.
While they are ok in moderation, they aren’t something you should be drinking consistently throughout the day. A straw can help minimize contact with your teeth when you are indulging.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is often marked as a healthy drink alternative, but this is not always the case. Most types contain a large number of added sugars alongside the natural sugars within the fruit.
If you’re drinking it, consider diluting it with water. Adding a few slices of fruit to your water bottle as a flavoring is also a better option if you’re wanting to drink more fluids.
Ice
There are many people out there that enjoy chewing on ice and while it may be therapeutic, it’s also dangerous. Hard substances can cause tiny fractures in your teeth over time.
This may seem harmless, but it can develop into more serious damage. Again, gum is a better alternative. This is because it can increase saliva production to wash out unwanted food particles.
Alcohol
Alcohol has many harmful effects on the body, but one of the lesser known is that it can ruin your smile. Drinking too much can reduce saliva production due to dehydration. This dries out your mouth and causes bad breath.
It’s also been known to stain teeth and may even increase the risk of oral cancer. You can read more about what alcohol does to your body here.
Citrus Fruits
As we mentioned above, fruit can be a healthy snack to enjoy. However, you have to be careful with citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins, lemons, and grapefruits.
Like soda, they are very acidic which isn’t great for your teeth. Enjoy on occasion but be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward. This will neutralize the acid until it’s time to brush.
Starchy Foods
Bread, crackers, and chips are some of our favorite foods, but they contain starch – another substance that our teeth don’t love. Starch gets trapped within the crevices of our mouth, which leads to bacteria growth.
Aim to limit your intake of these foods where possible and brush/floss regularly. Not only will your smile thankyou, but you may even see an improvement in your physical and mental health too.
Black Tea
Even though black tea has a lot of health benefits, it also isn’t the best beverage to drink. Tea contains something called tannins, which leave stains on your teeth.
With frequent drinking, this causes discoloration that is difficult to remove. However, some studies show tea can also kill or hold back bacteria. In a way, it can be both beneficial and harmful to your smile. Green tea may be a better alternative.
Final Words
As you can see from the above, maintaining your smile requires more than brushing and flossing. To obtain a brighter and healthier set of teeth, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat and the quantity.
Of course, everything is ok as long as it’s in moderation. Enjoy indulging in something sweet here and there, but be sure you fill your body with a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins too.
